A MAN from Clacton who died after trying to rescue his dog from the water off St Osyth has been named.

John Farmer, 59, from Clacton, got into difficulty in the sea off Lee-over-Sands on April 8.

An inquest into his death was opened in Chelmsford on Wednesday before being adjourned.

It heard that Mr Farmer got into the sea from his boat and was holding onto a rope in a bid to pull his dog from the water.

He got into difficulty and despite being rescued about ten minutes later he was unresponsive.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services to save his life, Mr Farmer was confirmed dead at Colchester General Hospital.

Essex Police’s marine unit, Clacton RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat and the Coastguard were all called to the scene, just off Lee-Over-Sands, by two sea scooter riders who saw the man in trouble.

Lifeboat crewmen spoke of their “heart-breaking” attempt to save Mr Farmer, who was rushed to Brightlingsea Harbour to be treated by paramedics.

“It was heart-breaking that despite excellent teamwork from all the services involved that the man’s life could not be saved,” said a spokesman for Clacton Lifeboat Station.

The incident also led to Essex Police warning people about the danger of cold water shock.

Mr Farmer’s dog was rescued by one of the sea scooter riders.

A full inquest is expected to take place in Chelmsford on June 15.