A man who died after a boat capsized in the sea off Deal beach has been named as journalist Charles Piggott.

The 45-year-old, of Vale Square, Ramsgate, was out catching lobsters with his teenage son when the boat he was in tipped, last Tuesday night.

An inquest into his death has been opened at Folkestone Magistrates Court, this morning. The cause is pending further analysis.

Emergency services were called to reports of an upturned boat near Deal Pier at 7.10pm.

Two people were reported to be in the water. Mr Piggott's son managed to swim to shore. He was treated at the scene before being taken to the QEQM Hospital in Margate.

Mr Piggott was rescued from the water and flown to Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital by the HM Coastguard helicopter, where he was pronounced dead.

Deal Coastguard Rescue Team, the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd, Walmer inshore lifeboat and the Ramsgate all-weather lifeboat attended the scene.

Residents along The Marina came out of their homes or watched from their windows, while people on social media sent their well wishes to those involved.

The operation continued until after 9pm.

A police spokesman said at the time: “A man aged in his 40s who was taken to William Harvey Hospital was pronounced dead.

“Police are not currently treating the death as suspicious and will prepare a report for the Coroner.

“Kent Police has referred the matter to the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau.”