Heartbreaking tributes paid to man, 44, who died after falling from Stena Line ferry
TRIBUTES are being paid to a man who died after falling from a Stena Line ferry.
Peter Christopher Foden, 44, was reported missing when officials noticed he didn't get off the boat from Belfast to Liverpool on January 20.
The alarm was raised around 8.15am and emergency services launched a rescue search.
The HM Coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Merseyside Police rushed to the scene.
Peter was airlifted from the sea near Liverpool Bar by the HM Coastguard helicopter and taken to hospital at around 11.19am.
He then passed away in Aintree Hospital.
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An inquest was held at Ruthin Coroner's Court yesterday.
CCTV footage captured Peter on board the Stena Line Estrid ferry.
The court heard that he was seen pushing against railings on the ship’s seventh deck, about 18 metres above the water line.
The video was taken at 5am on January 20, three hours before the boat arrived.
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A previous HM Coastguard statement said: “HM Coastguard coordinated the response to a report of a missing man from a passenger vessel off Liverpool.
"The alarm was raised at about 8.15am on 20 January and a search carried out.
“The HM Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon was sent as well as RNLI all-weather lifeboats from Hoylake, Rhyl, Lytham St Annes and Llandudno.
"A man was airlifted from the water by the HM Coastguard helicopter at about 11.20am, transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.
“Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team assisted by securing a helicopter landing site. Merseyside Police were informed.”
A devastated school pal took to Facebook to remember Peter saying he had a "beautiful soul".
He said: “Hi all, sorry to post some bad news but looking to see if anybody remembers Peter Foden from 1991-1996?
“Sadly passed on Sat 20 2024 aged 44."
Mourners and school friends took to the comments to share their condolences.
One said: “Aww I remember him he was in my year - way too young.”
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Another added: “I am so sorry to hear this and send my condolences.”
While someone else wrote: “I remember Peter. We were in the same year at school. Sorry to hear this sad news.”