A CORONER has raised concerns about safety measures at Portishead Marina after a man fell in the water and died.

Andrew James Rees died after apparently falling into the water following a night out on February 3 last year. It is believed he probably had a heart attack.

His body was recovered two days later after an intensive sea search.

An inquest heard that Mr Rees, who was 38, was making his way home and was last seen at about 12.30am.

Myfanwy Buckeridge, assistant coroner for Avon, has now issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to both North Somerset Council and Boatfolk Marinas Ltd, who operate the popular marina.

READ MORE: Man's body found in Portishead Marina.

In her report to the company she says: “In evidence it was identified that in the vicinity of where the deceased was retrieved from the water the rescue chain on the wall of the marina was broken and that the system of visual inspection in place by Boatfolk Marinas Ltd had not identified this.

“Whilst a monthly, documented visual inspection has been introduced it is a concern that visual inspection alone may be insufficient to identify the risk of a deteriorating chain.”

Addressing the council, Ms Buckeridge says one of the triggers used to generate a review of the marina’s risk assessment by the authority was said to be a “significant change of use”.

But she adds: “No formal assessment or measure of whether a change of use (e.g. increase in amount or type of footfall/increased cyclists etc) had taken place was apparent.

“In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you, Boatfolk Marinas Ltd and North Somerset Council, have the power to take such action.”

The company and council have until March 11 to respond, either spelling out what steps have been taken or explaining why it is felt that nothing need be done.