Pier jumping deaths 'accidental'

Six men jumped off Clacton Pier in Essex

An inquest into the deaths of two men who jumped into the sea off a pier in a stunt known as "tombstoning" has returned verdicts of accidental death.

The inquest at Chelmsford heard John Castleman, 48, and Kelvin Rothwell, 43, jumped from Clacton Pier in Essex on 7 July 2007 after a day of drinking.

The pair had followed four of their friends in leaping into the water.

Mr Castleman was pronounced dead in hospital that evening, while Mr Rothwell died five days later.

The inquest heard from Ian Hooper, assistant manager of the pier, who said he had tried in vain to stop the men, both single and from Clacton, from jumping.

"I spent about 10 minutes talking to the two men and thought I had convinced them," he said.

"On turning away, I heard two splashes."

Toxicology tests

Mr Castleman and Mr Rothwell were seen in the sea struggling to stay afloat and coastguards were called.

They were unconscious when pulled from the water shortly afterwards.

Insp Vincent Osborne of Essex Police said there had been other similar deaths in cases of "tombstoning" - where someone jumps into water from a height - around England last summer.

The inquest heard both men had been drinking, with toxicology tests showing Mr Castleman was three-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit.

Three of their friends swam ashore, while a fourth had to be rescued.

A member of the public who swam out in an attempt to save Mr Castleman and Mr Rothwell also had to be rescued.

Deputy Coroner Jolanta McKenzie recorded two verdicts of accidental death.

She said Mr Castleman had drowned and Mr Rothwell died from "immersion to sea water".