Death of off-duty ferry worker ruled accidental

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death

An off-duty ferry worker died after he fell into cold water in Jersey, an inquest has heard.

Bernard Jambon, 63, who worked for Manches Isles Express, was declared dead at the General Hospital on 23 July 2023 after he fell into the water between two ferries at Victoria Pier.

Presiding coroner, Sarah Whitby, heard how the ferry worker, who had drank the equivalent of 15 units of spirits the night he died, chose to ignore advice to wait for a gangway.

The inquest heard Mr Jambon suffered a cardiac event caused by water immersion, which was compounded by alcohol intoxication, with Ms Whitby recording a verdict of accidental death.

Fellow crew members and the emergency services attempted to revive him using CPR.

Evidence heard at the inquest suggested he had suffered an immediate death.

His partner, Anne-Sophie Gouret, who appeared via a video link from France, described him as a "strong, charismatic and sensitive character who loved the sea".