Man who died after Essex sea rescue was experienced windsurfer

Video report by ITV News Anglia's Malcolm Robertson.

A man who died after getting into trouble off the coast of Essex was an experienced windsurfer, according to friends.

Dave Baker, who was in his 60s and from Colchester, had been a member of the Mersea Windsurfers for fifteen years.

Friends said he was a very fit man and a competent windsurfer.

Mr Baker got into trouble off the coast yesterday in high winds (Saturday August 20th).

He died in hospital in Colchester after being rescued by RNLI lifeboats off the coast of West Mersea at around midday on Saturday.

An Essex Police spokesman said they were trying to establish the events leading up to his death.

A sailing regatta just down the coast had to be called off because of the strength of the breeze on Saturday but Mr Baker's friend Paul Reynolds said he was very good in high winds.

Mr Baker was said to be a very popular member of the club. He was a grandad who had a beach hut in the area. He enjoyed going on wind surfing holidays in warm countries.