The inquest into the tragic death of a fisherman opened this morning.

Erick Maeckelbergh became stranded when his boat capsized on Tuesday, December 27.

The vessel got into trouble off the coast of Ramsgate, and the coastguard and lifeboats were called to rescue the three crew members.

One man was rescued, but another is still missing.

Mr Maeckelbergh was winched from the water, but later died at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

The inquest was opened this morning by Christopher Morris, assistant coroner for central and south east Kent.

The court heard that the 39-year-old fisherman was married, and his body was identified by the surviving crew member.

He was found in the sea off the coast of Ramsgate, and was taken to William Harvey Hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia.

He unfortunately died at 11.52pm on Tuesday, December 27.

A post-mortem examination was carried out and the cause of death was given as drowning and hypothermia.

The assistant coroner adjourned the full inquest until Monday, March 20.