Boy hit by boat propeller

The boat set off from the Fal Estuary

A six-year-old Cornish boy fell from his father's boat and was hit by a propeller, an inquest has heard.

Ross Morgan, from Playing Place near Truro, died from head injuries after falling from his father's boat during a family fishing trip off Loe Beach at Feock on 6 July.

The coroner ruled Ross's death was an accident.

He fell from the 18-foot lugger as his father, Andrew Morgan, steered to allow another vessel to pass.

Despite attempts to resuscitate him and being airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, he died shortly after.

The family has been devastated by the tragic accident and loss of Ross

Family statement

Ross set off with his brother, father and grandfather from the Fal Estuary for their fishing trip.

Mr Morgan told the inquest that there was no sudden movement and no indication of a possible collision with the passing boat.

After Ross fell overboard, his father jumped into the water and helped him back on board.

A speedboat was flagged down, which took Ross and his father back to the beach, where an off-duty surgeon tried resuscitation.

He was then airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

A pathologist's report said Ross died of serious head injuries caused by the propeller.

There was no evidence of drowning.

'Friendly boy'

At the time of the accident, the weather was dry and sea conditions were calm.

He was a pupil at Kea School, and staff there said he was a friendly boy, who would be greatly missed.

The coroner's officer, Doug Crewe, read a statement from the family.

It said: "The family has been devastated by the tragic accident and loss of Ross, and appreciate the help and assistance from all on the day and support since, from friends, neighbours and particularly the headmaster and pupils of Kea School."