A tragic accident was blamed for the deaths of two experienced anglers on a fishing trip.

Life-long fisherman David Burns and Thomas Latchford died after a blaze broke out on their speedboat in freezing winter weather.

Southend coroner Dr Peter Dean recorded a verdict of accidental death.

The incident began when Mr Burns, 58, of Limetree Avenue, Benfleet, and Mr Latchford, 56, of Delhi Road, Pitsea, set off on a fishing trip on December 5 1998.

Disaster struck at around 11.15pm when lifeboatmen were called to a burning boat near Two Tree Island, Leigh. The inquest heard it was minus seven degrees Celsius and a force six wind was blowing.

Southend lifeboat helmsman Mark Petty-Mayor said three lifeboats helped with the search along with Essex Police's helicopter.

Mr Burns' son Glen asked if a lifeboat station on Canvey would have meant rescuers could have got their more quickly. Mr Petty-Mayor said: "If you asked me personally, then no."

At 1.30am the next day, lifeboatmen found Mr Latchford in a survival suit at Tewkes Creek but he was declared dead at Southend Hospital. Mr Burns was found half a mile down river at around 7am and declared dead at Two Tree Island.

Southend Hospital consultant pathologist Dr Peter Atkinson said Mr Burns had died from drowning and Mr Latchford had died from hypothermia.

The court heard fire investigator and Leigh station commander Paul Whiting believed the fire began in the cabin area on the speedboat.

He concluded that when the two men discovered the fire they would have had little alternative but to go overboard. The court also heard forensic scientists had discovered strong evidence to show one burner on a portable gas stove was switched on.

Dr Dean said: "What took place was a very tragic accident. The only verdict I can record is accidental death."

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