INVESTIGATIONS were continuing this week into how a Cross Hills pensioner ended up in a river following a boating accident.

Seventy-one-year old Edward Scott, known as Ed, suffered a fatal heart attack after he was plucked from the water by a coastguard crew on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Scott, of Elmfield Road, was seen clinging to the side of his 18-foot yacht, Bobbin, on the River Wyre, between Fleetwood and Knot End, Lancashire.

A passer-by alerted the coastguard, but Mr Scott died in the ambulance after being taken ashore for urgent medical treatment.

He suffered from emphysema and it is understood he was not wearing a lifejacket when he fell into the water.

This week his family, including wife Shirley, son Keith and daughter Jill, were too upset to talk to the Herald and were still waiting for full details about what had happened.

It is believed the boat had been towed over from Yorkshire and was launched ready for summer sailing.

Coastguard Barney Jones said the stretch of water where the accident happened was not known for being dangerous.

"We have had accidents there before but nothing serious," he said.

"Sometimes people get trapped by tides and things like that. It's a busy little area but it's not known for being dangerous."

Coastguard officials have praised the passer-by who dialled 999 when he saw Mr Scott in trouble.

"The member of the public who called us can be assured that his actions enhanced any chances the man may have for survival which unfortun-ately was not successful on this occasion," said a spokesman.

A funeral service for Mr Scott, who had also lived at Cononley, is expected to take place on Tuesday.

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