AN inquest has been opened after a holidaymaker fell off his boat and drowned in Poole.

Sixty-year-old David Bidmead, of Staffordshire, was holidaying in Dorset when he was taken ill on July 3.

Bournemouth Coroner’s Court heard he was found in the water by his wife and pulled out with help from staff from the harbour.

He was taken to Poole Hospital and then transferred to St Thomas’ Hospital in Lambeth but passed away on July 14.

A post-mortem gave the causes of death as hypoxic brain injury, drowning and heart disease and chest infection.

Deputy Dorset Coroner Brendan Allen formally opened the inquest and adjourned it until December 9.