Man who died found on partially flooded canal boat

The incident happened on the Oxford canal in the Summertown area of the city

A man died after being found unresponsive and submerged in water on his canal boat in Oxford, an inquest has found.

Pierre Griessenbock, who was originally from Reading, in Berkshire, was found by neighbours on the partially flooded boat on 11 March 2025.

Despite resuscitation efforts, he was declared dead at the John Radcliffe Hospital later that day, the inquest at Oxford Coroner's Court was told.

The 74-year-old's death was due to natural causes related to heart disease, the coroner concluded on Thursday.

Tributes were left on the jetty next to the boat following the incident

Mr Griessenbock had schizophrenia and long-term mental health issues, the inquest heard.

He had access to temporary accommodation but continued to live mostly on his boat, which was moored on the Oxford Canal, near to the Woodstock Road.

The Canal and River Trust said in a statement their thoughts were with those who knew him.