Andrew Story

I am Ms Jacqueline Devonish, Senior Coroner for the coroner area of Cheshire

On 05 January 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Andrew James STORY aged 56. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 26 June 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that:   Accident

On 12 October 2023, 56 year old Andrew Story went for a swim in the sea in Rethymno whilst on holiday in Crete. He was only gone for a few minutes when a bystander was seen undertaking CPR on him, on the beach. A post mortem conducted in Greece offered a cause of death as drowning in sea water. A UK post mortem identified drowning but also left ventricular hypertrophy. Mr Story was taken away by ambulance but was sadly confirmed deceased thereafter.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: ‘It was understood that the Greek Coroner had informed bereaved family members that the sea was particularly rough in Rethymno, Crete and had no lifeguards on duty between 31 August and the end of the summer season. This coincided with tourist season making the use of that beach and sea for swimming generally, and particularly unsafe in the absence of red warning markers, signs or flags

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.