The inquest of a man who died in the sea off West Bay has opened.

As reported, father-of-five Edmond St John Matts, known as Ed, sadly died during an early morning swim off West Beach on Monday, April 11 this year.

The incident saw a major emergency response at the harbour, including, police, paramedics, coastguards, RNLI lifeboats, firefighters and two rescue helicopters - as efforts were made to try and save Mr Matts. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Formal identification took place and confirmed the body was that of Mr Matts, aged 59, from West Bay.

An initial inquest into Mr Matts' death opened at Dorset Coroner’s Court in Bournemouth Town Hall on Wednesday, June 1.

A final inquest will take place at a later date.

 

  • Paying tribute to Mr Matts following his death, his family described him as someone who was ‘full of energy, enthusiastic and had a love of life’.

Economics expert Mr Matts, who lived locally, was a company director.

He also had a keen interest in politics and had previously stood as a Conservative candidate in the general election in South Dorset and also in Oxfordshire.

Mr Matts loved swimming and the sea and was described as a 'very likeable and charming man'.