Fisherman John Sibley was not wearing a lifejacket the day he drowned, an inquest heard yesterday (Monday).
The fact came in a statement from his wife Marilyn, 45, who said he was not a strong swimmer.
Ipswich Coroner Peter Dean read out the statement from Mrs Sibley at the start of a three-day inquest. Mr Sibley, 49, of Spruce Avenue, Colchester, died after falling from a boat off Harwich last July.
Before the inquest, his family said he was swept overboard by a wave from the HSS Stena Discovery as it neared Harwich.
A Marine Accident Investigation Branch report into the tragedy found fault with both Stena and fishing boat skipper Denis Hayman. Marilyn Sibley has started High Court proceedings against Stena, claiming damages for negligence.
The hearing continues
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