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Pilot's tragic fall: Immersion and heart disease cited
13 Apr
Summary
- A pilot died from water immersion and heart disease after a fall.
- The pilot was trying to board a ship in the Humber estuary.
- An inquest revealed no evidence of a heart attack before the fall.
A pilot's life tragically concluded due to immersion in water and heart disease, following a fall from a ladder on January 8, 2023. The 67-year-old Italian national, Francesco Galia, was attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk in the Humber estuary when the incident occurred.
An inquest in Hull heard that while Mr. Galia had a history of heart issues, including high blood pressure and previous heart attack damage, no evidence suggested a heart attack preceded his fall. He was rescued by the RNLI about 40 minutes after falling into the water and was later pronounced deceased at a hospital.
The inquest was informed that the pilot, employed by Associated British Ports since 2002, appeared to vomit and lose consciousness before falling. Pathologists concluded his death was caused by the combined effects of water immersion and heart disease, noting signs indicating drowning. The inquest is expected to continue for five days.
