A Port of London Authority pilot who died while working on the River Thames at Gravesend has been named.

Gordon Coates was a boarding a vessel on the evening of Wednesday, October 5, when he died. The circumstances are still be investigated.

John Pearn, chairman of the The UK Maritime Pilots' Association put a statement on their website saying: "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that one of our colleagues, Gordon Coates, a London Pilot, was involved in an incident whilst boarding a vessel in the Thames on Wednesday evening. Sadly he passed away shortly afterwards.

"I am sure you will join with me and the UKMPA Executive Committee in passing on our sincere condolences. Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends and colleagues at the Port of London Authority during this tragic time."

A statement issued by the PLA after the incident read: "At around 6.10pm, one of its pilots was involved in an accident while boarding a ship, Sunmi, in Gravesend Reach.

"PLA teams on duty, the emergency services and the RNLI did all they could subsequent to the accident, but tragically the pilot passed away."

PLA chief executive Robin Mortimer said: “Our deepest condolences are with our colleagues’ family and friends at this very difficult time.

"We have been in touch with the family and are offering whatever support we can.”

The PLA has started an investigation into the accident.

Marine accidents are also investigated by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and they attended the PLA’s Gravesend base on Thursday.

Their investigations continue and a report is expected in the coming months.

The Sunmi is a cargo ship. It was heading for Spain but on Thursday afternoon, was moored up at Tilbury.