British fisherman, 23, died after being bitten by a sea snake while working on an Australian trawler, inquest hears

• Fisherman Harry Evans, 23, died after he was bitten by a sea snake in Australia 
• He was inspecting a fishing net while working on the vessel Ocean Explorer 
• He is the first person to die from a sea snake bite in Australia in around 80 years 
• The cause of death was given as a sea snake bite. Verdict: Accidental death

A British fisherman died after being bitten by a sea snake while working on an Australian trawler, an inquest heard.

Harry Evans, 23, was working on the vessel Ocean Exporter in October, last year, when he suffered the fatal bite.

It is thought Mr Evans, from Poole in Dorset, was the first person to die as a result of a sea snake bite in Australia for more than 80 years.

The inquest in Bournemouth yesterday heard that he had been inspecting a fishing net when he was bitten by the 3ft black-banded sea snake.

He initially suffered no ill effects before his condition ‘rapidly deteriorated’ and he fell unconscious.

Harry Evans, 23, was working on the vessel Ocean Exporter in October, last year, when he suffered the fatal bite

His vessel’s skipper, Nicolas Hoard, called for medical attention and a number of specialists battled to save the Briton’s life.

Ultimately attempts at CPR were unsuccessful and Mr Evans was pronounced dead before the trawler reached the shore.

During yesterday’s hearing at Dorset Coroner’s Court a statement was read from Harry’s mother, Sharon Evans.

Mrs Evans, a mental health practitioner, told the inquest her son had been having ‘the happiest time of his life’ before the tragedy.

She said: ‘During Harry’s time in Australia he kept in close contact with home.

‘He loved the lifestyle and the hard work. Harry was the happiest he had been in his whole life.

Harry Evans, 23, was working on the vessel Ocean Exporter in October, last year, when the fatal bite was sustained. He is pictured here earlier during his visit to Australia

‘He was an extremely popular person and left his mark on everyone he met.’

She went onto say that Harry was ‘hugely missed by many people’.

The inquest hearing, presided over by Assistant Dorset Coroner Brendan Allen, heard how the incident had taken place on October 4, 2018.

Mr Allen said: ‘Harry was inspecting a net that had been brought up and was bitten by a snake.

‘Initially he appeared to suffer no ill effects and assured Mr Huard that he was okay.

‘However, his condition rapidly deteriorated.’

He added: ‘The fishing trawler was initially heading north, but then was directed to head south towards Bing Bong Port.

‘Flying doctors arrived on the vessel before it got to port and resuscitation attempts continued.

‘However, before the boat reached Bing Bong Port, Mr Evans was pronounced deceased.’

A post mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as a sea snake bite.

Mr Allen recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

Mr Evans went to Poole High School and then trained for a year as a boat builder. He also worked as a part-time barman at two local pubs.

He flew to Australia in August 2018 after arranging to work on the fishing trawler through the skipper, who is a family relation.

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