A 45-YEAR-OLD man, who had been riding a jet ski, drowned while on holiday in Cyprus, an inquest heard yesterday (Wednesday). Christopher Dixon, of Morecombe Close in Stevenage, and two friends had been using a jet ski in rotation on June 5 this year when

A 45-YEAR-OLD man, who had been riding a jet ski, drowned while on holiday in Cyprus, an inquest heard yesterday (Wednesday).

Christopher Dixon, of Morecombe Close in Stevenage, and two friends had been using a jet ski in rotation on June 5 this year when tragedy struck.

Mr Dixon was last seen travelling out to sea on the jet ski just after midday.

Edward Thomas, the Hertfordshire coroner, said: "The other two were sitting on the beach. After a while they heard the engine had stopped and saw that no one was on the jet ski." They began to worry when Mr Dixon did not appear and they watched the jet ski drift due to strong winds.

The pair requested police assistance and went into the sea to search for their friend. Mr Dixon was found floating face down about 200 metres from the shore.

The police arrived, pulled Mr Dixon to the shore and began CPR, which continued at hospital. After attempts to resuscitate him failed, Mr Dixon was pronounced dead.

Mr Thomas said: "There was a force four or five wind, which would have given a significant wave height of half a metre to one metre." Visibility was good.

Mr Dixon had not been drinking, and a report from his GP said he was "fit" and "rarely presented at surgery".

Mr Thomas said: "There was some concern he hadn't worn a buoyancy aid, and about the weather conditions."

The jet ski, which had drifted ashore, was examined and found to be in good working order.

A post mortem carried out by a pathologist in Cyprus found Mr Dixon had died from asphyxia due to drowning. Mr Thomas recorded a verdict of accidental death.