THE daughter of a businessman killed when a passenger jet plunged into the Atlantic Ocean is planning to sail around the world in his memory.

Middlesbrough-born Arthur Coakley was one of 228 people killed when an Air France flight crashed en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, on June 1, last year.

The 61-year-old structural design engineer, of Sandsend, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, was a director of Middlesbrough- based Wilton Engineering Services Ltd.

His daughter, Misé Coakley, is preparing to take part in the 11-month Clipper Round the World Yacht Race next year as a tribute to her father, who loved the sea and sailing.

Miss Coakley, 25, said: “This is a daring challenge, but that probably won’t hit home until I am on the starting line.

“Since dad died, there has been a huge void.

“We both shared a love of the sea. He was saving up to buy a yacht just before he died and this is a chance for me to realise that dream for him.

“Dad would be very proud of me. He’ll be on my shoulder throughout the race.”

Starting from Humberside, Miss Coakley, a photography student, will cover 40,000 miles and six continents on the trip, competing against nine other racing yachts.

She previously sailed round Europe for 14 months, aboard HMS Endeavour, in 2003.

Poignantly, the trip will enable her to spend time in Rio de Janeiro, near the site of the plane crash.

At Mr Coakley’s funeral, hundreds of mourners packed into Whitby’s St Hilda’s RC Church to hear a moving service and tributes.

Miss Coakley needs to raise £40,000 to take part in the race and is seeking sponsors.

She said: “It will be one of the hardest things I have ever done. I’m nervous and excited.”

To sponsor Miss Coakley, call her on 07827-476019 or email mise.coakley@yahoo.com