A BRIGHTON inquest heard about the desperate battle to save a drowning teenager.

Ian Nye, 17, from Orchid View, Hollingbury, Brighton, died minutes after falling into the sea at Brighton Marina on April 18 during a late-night fishing trip.

Factory worker Ian walked round the back of the lighthouse on the western arm of the marina before slipping and falling more than 20ft into the sea.

The youngster struggled in the freezing water, shouting that he could not swim.

His shocked friend, Graham Banks, of Crabtree Avenue, Hollingbury, shouted for help after trying to find a lifebelt.

Fishermen Barry Phillips, of Cuckmere Way, Hollingbury, and Alexander Stewart, of The Drive, Hove, ran to his aid.

Mr Phillips, who cannot swim, climbed down a ladder into the choppy water and held out a fishing rod for Ian to grab.

But Ian was unable to reach the 5ft rod.

Mr Phillips said: "I went down to my waist and it took my breath away. I'm petrified of water anyway."

Mr Phillips told the inquest he has nightmares about the tragedy every night.

Brighton inshore lifeboat arrive minutes later and plucked Ian out of the water.

He was then taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where further attempts to revive him failed.

Brighton and Hove Deputy Coroner Roderick Webb recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said it would always remain a mystery why Ian climbed round the back of the lighthouse and speculated that he might have seen something in the water.

He said: "It seems to me that everyone did their best. There's certainly no question of blame. It's just one of those sad accidents."

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