A dad was swept to his death by a freak wave during a fishing trip after the first lockdown ended. Richard Wooff, 46, a labourer, had set out with three friends to the beach at South Gare, near Middlesbrough.
The four men planned to spend the day fishing at a popular fishing spot by the lighthouse. But an inquest heard that when they arrived the sea was so rough that Mr Wooff, described as an experienced angler, volunteered to check out the conditions on the jetty.
Friend Anthony Williams told the hearing at Teesside Coroner's Court: "A massive wave came over and crashed down, dragging him into the sea." The fishing party threw a life ring towards Mr Wooff and dialled 999.
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