An inquest has opened into the death of an 84-year-old man who died after getting into trouble while swimming in Corfu.

Lewis Lay, who lived in Ipswich, died on September 11 last year while he was on holiday.

During an opening at Suffolk Coroners Court on Friday, the court heard Mr Lay had been holidaying alone in Corfu and had travelled over to the Greek island as part of an organised tour group. 

It was heard that Mr Lay had got into trouble swimming in the sea, but this was unwitnessed.

His body was found by visitors to a beach and staff from a nearby shop.

The death was referred to the coroner on September 28 by Hunnaball Funeral Directors, and his identity was confirmed by his second cousin on October 2, 2023.

Senior Coroner Nigel Parsley said a full inquest into Mr Lay's death would be held on March 1.