A 22-YEAR-OLD man died last night after falling from a fishing boat off Hartlepool.

He was fishing with his brother, nephew and a female just off the Headland when his foot got tangled in the ropes and he fell overboard shortly before 6.45pm.

The boat was setting lobster pots about half a mile off Heugh pier when he fell overboard.

Hartlepool RNLI's Atlantic 85 Inshore lifeboat reached the scene within nine minutes of being alerted and arrived to find he had been pulled from the sea and was on the fishing boat.

An RNLI volunteer went aboard and began CPR on the casualty.

The all weather lifeboat arrived moments later and Hartlepool RNLI’s doctor also transferred onto the fishing boat and took over the CPR.

The fishing boat was escorted back to Hartlepool lifeboat station as the caualty continued receiving medical treatment.

He was transferred to the pontoon where the all weather lifeboat is moored and further efforts were made to revive him.

The Great North Air Ambulance and paramedics were waiting and the fisherman was released into their care.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "Unfortunately the young man died. Other family members have now also been informed of the tragedy."

Mike Craddy, Hartlepool RNLI Operations Manager said "This was a multi agency incident and despite the best efforts of all concerned we were unable to save the gentleman.

"Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time."