A LARGE sailing vessel that was abandoned in the Solent off Lepe more than six weeks ago and sank is still awaiting recovery. Coastguards have been issuing regular navigation warnings and have put out warning buoys after being alerted to the abandoned 54ft craft on Saturday 23rd August. The vessel, which has been anchored in the mid-western Solent around 360 metres off the West Lepe Buoy, was reported to have sunk on Monday, 15th August. A 54ft yacht sank around 360 metres off the West Lepe BuoyA Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson told the A&T: “The sunken vessel remains in place and HM Coastguard has issued regular local navigation warnings and marker buoys have been fixed. “The vessel and its salvage remain the responsibility of its owner.”