A former Newham councillor drowned at a beach in Jamaica, an inquest heard.
Andrew Baikie, 70, died on May 9 at St Ann’s Bay Hospital on the north coast of the island.
An inquest was opened into his death on Tuesday, September 30, at East London Coroner’s Court.
Dr Shirley Radcliffe said that Mr Baikie, of Nigel Road in Forest Gate, arrived in Jamaica on April 29.
“On May 9 he was at Coconut Grove Beach and went for a swim. A few minutes later he encountered difficulties in the water,” Dr Radcliffe said.
He was recovered from the water and an ambulance rushed him to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival, the court heard.
A post-mortem examination conducted in Jamaica gave his cause of death as asphyxiation caused by drowning.
Mr Baikie was first elected to Newham Council for the Little Ilford ward in 1992, representing Labour.
He held the seat until 2018, serving as chair of the housing committee and later cabinet member for housing.
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