A 48-year-old man drowned after being struck by a large wave while swimming at Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth, Devon, an inquest heard. Simon Lightbody, from Reigate, Surrey, was swimming in the sea during a family outing on the afternoon of Monday, August 24, when he disappeared from view.

His family raised the alarm, prompting a search that involved a lifeboat crew. Mr. Lightbody’s body was subsequently recovered from the water. The cause of death was recorded as drowning.

Mr. Lightbody worked as a chartered mechanical engineer. The inquest, held at Exeter, was adjourned after the initial hearing. Further details are expected to be provided in subsequent proceedings.