Tragedy will remain a mystery

Coroner John Matthews said there would always be some unanswered questions about the boating accident which led to the deaths of holidaymakers Heather Harris and Richard Perry. An open verdict was recorded at the inquest held yesterday.

Miss Harris, who was 20, from Woodfield Avenue, Wollescote, and Mr Perry, 28, of Victoria Street, Brierley Hill, had been travelling in Mr Perry's rigid inflatable boat (RIB) in Sandown Bay with Miss Harris at the helm when tragedy struck last July. The inquest was told neither was wearing a lifejacket.

The boat was later reported drifting unmanned close to Bembridge Ledge, sparking a massive air, sea and land search for the pair.

Shortly afterwards Mr Perry was found floating face down in the water. He was taken aboard by Sandown Inshore Lifeboat then winched on to the coastguard helicopter and flown to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The body of Miss Harris, a barmaid at The Foresters Arms pub in Wollaston, was not recovered until nine days after the accident when it was spotted by a passenger on board a cross-Channel ferry close to Bembridge.

Her father Nicholas Harris told the hearing that Mr Perry was experienced with boats and his daughter had also driven the RIB on several occasions and was competent with machines.

"She enjoyed herself, but did not do anything silly," said Mr Harris. "I think they might have been thrown off the boat if it was jumping a wave."

Det Sgt John Stirling told the inquest when he spoke to Mr Harris he had described the pair as thrill-seekers.

The inquest was told the boat showed no damage from an impact and was in good condition. When found, the throttle was almost fully open, although the engine was not running and the kill switch appeared to have been activated.

Post mortems concluded both people had drowned.

Describing the tragedy as "appalling", the coroner said: "Perhaps the boat was upset or tilted by waves."