WATCHET’S waterfront community was saddened this week by the news that 71-year-old John Stephens, a blind sailor and a well-known character in the town, had been found dead aboard his 31ft yacht Mistress Nell.

Blind since the age of 17, John sailed into Watchet marina seven years ago and lived a fiercely independent life, cooking and looking after himself with only occasional help from carers and friends.

Marina staff were alerted last Tuesday (November 24) when a computer check revealed that he had not used the key fob which opens the marina gate, for nearly four days.

Marina manager James Burnell went aboard the boat and found John’s body. Paramedics confirmed death and police inquiries revealed no suspicious circumstances.

“John came to us from Bristol seven years ago and had previously been berthed in numerous harbours including Falmouth and Penarth,” James said.

“He made no concessions to being blind and could be seen striding along the pontoons regardless of wind and weather. John was a character who showed how to cope with adversity and maintain his independence.

“One just can’t imagine what it must have been like to cope with the problems he had by being blind and living alone on a small boat. Everyone admired him but he was very obstinate when it came to accepting any help.

“He loved boats and had lived on them most of his adult life. People are saying that he has died in the way he would have wished – on board Mistress Nell.”

Shane Parker, manager of the nearby Co-Op stores, said John came in several times a week and a member of staff would help him with his purchases.

“When he didn’t come in, we began to worry and then we heard what had happened. He managed remarkably well and was very independent.”

Caroline Bruguier, who lives on a nearby boat, said: “John was a real fighter.

“There was a time when live-aboards in the marina were being charged Council Tax and John paid his, then successfully appealed against it and so got the rules changed. His rebate was 2p short but he insisted on its being paid – and ceremoniously put it in a blind charity box!

“The marina won’t be the same without him.”