Imogen Amesbury, a 21-year-old superyacht stewardess, died by suicide two months after being dismissed from her job aboard the luxury yacht Queen Miri, an inquest in Bournemouth heard. Amesbury was found hanged at her mother’s home in Lyme Regis, Dorset, in January 2022, following a period of personal difficulties marked by substance use and a tumultuous relationship.

The inquest revealed that Amesbury was sacked in November 2021 while the yacht was docked in St Martin in the Caribbean after returning from a night out during which she was reportedly intoxicated and had taken cocaine. After losing her position, she returned to the UK and reconnected with her ex-partner, Andrew Hewitt.

On the night of January 11, 2022, Amesbury and Hewitt spent time together at her mother’s house, consuming wine, while she also took cocaine, the hearing was told. Tensions arose between the couple, reportedly centering on discussions about former partners. Hewitt left the residence around 4 a.m., and about an hour later received a phone call from Amesbury, during which she expressed intentions to take her own life. Hewitt told her “don’t be stupid” before the call ended. Her body was later discovered at the property by her mother.

Witnesses at the inquest, including Alex Sawyer, a chef who worked alongside Amesbury on the yacht, stated that she had confided in him about physical abuse and threats by Hewitt to share intimate images during an argument in early January. Hewitt denied these allegations. Police investigations conducted after Amesbury’s death resulted in no further action.

Amesbury’s mother, Marie, paid tribute to her daughter, highlighting her artistic talent and adventurous spirit. Amesbury had been awarded an art scholarship to Queen’s College Taunton and was described as gentle, warm-hearted, and determined. Despite previous mental health struggles, the inquest heard that she had returned from her work at sea in “good spirits” before the events leading to her death.

The proceedings are ongoing as the coroner continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Amesbury’s death. Support organizations have reminded those affected by similar issues to seek confidential help.