AN Ipswich pensioner who died after falling from a boat following a night out with relatives has been named today.Robert Woods, of Downside Close, died after falling into the water from a vessel, in Mill Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze.
AN Ipswich pensioner who died after falling from a boat following a night out with relatives has been named today.
Robert Woods, of Downside Close, died after falling into the water from a vessel, in Mill Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze.
Police today confirmed the identity of the 72-year-old and a Suffolk coroner is now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
A helicopter crew from Wattisham, Clacton lifeboat, Walton and Felixstowe coastguard, an ambulance crew and police were all called to incident, at around 1.45am on Sunday.
Mr Woods is believed to have fallen into the water as he was getting on to a boat and it is thought he may have had a heart attack.
He was winched out of the water by the helicopter crew before being taken to Ipswich Hospital, where he later died.
Mr Woods' neighbours in Downside Close today spoke of their shock at losing a friendly and likeable man.
One neighbour said: "He was a pleasant old boy and he would never do anybody any harm.
"He used to go out and about and he was quite socialable. I used to speak to him quite often. He was a friendly chap and a real character."
Mr Woods daughter Phyllis, who lived near to her father, was today being comforted by friends at her home and was too upset to speak.
Coastguards have reported that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
An inquest is expected to be opened within the next few days, although a date is still to be fixed.
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