A CORONER is to recommend a man for a bravery award after hearing how he tried to rescue a friend from drowning.

North Yorkshire East Coroner Michael Oakley was told that Jeffery Muse, a 31-year-old jet worker and actor, had jumped into Whitby harbour to retrieve a rowing boat which was being washed out by the tide, but got into difficulties and drowned.

Michael Wray, of Raglan Terrace, Whitby, told the inquest at Scarborough yesterday he had just completed his "ghost walk" of Whitby with tourists when he spotted a boat he previously owned being swept away from Tate Hill Pier.

He went for a canoe to rescue it then heard a shout that someone was drowning.

"I could see Jeffery's head out of the water, but he wasn't swimming. I was talking to him while I was in the canoe, but he didn't respond."

Mr Wray described how Mr Muse, of Prospect Hill, Whitby, disappeared under the water.

He then deliberately capsized the canoe to get into the water to go to his aid.

He had pulled him back from the middle of the harbour to the beach, where a doctor and nurse tried to revive him until an ambulance arrived. But, despite a mercy dash to Scarborough General Hospital, Mr Muse, died.

Mr Oakley told Mr Wray: "It was a remarkable length you swam. It was a very brave thing to do."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Oakley paid tribute to Mr Wray's bravery, adding that he would be recommending him for a Royal Humane Society Award.