CONCERNS have been raised about end of life care abroad by the family of a Southampton man who died following a snorkelling accident.

Reginald Wheeler spent weeks in a Cyprus hospital after an incident at a beach while on holiday.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard that the 79-year-old, of Deeping Close, Weston, had been snorkelling at a beach on September 7 when it is believed something caused him to panic, resulting in him taking in sea water.

Mr Wheeler, a retired plumber described as a “very hard working man” by his family, had to be revived at least once while being rushed to Paphos General Hospital, where he spent a number of weeks on life support machines.

The inquest heard that while in hospital, he suffered problems with his heart, lungs and kidneys, which he failed to recover from. Pathologist Dr Sanjay Jogai added that his heart is thought to have already been in a poor state.

Mr Wheeler was pronounced dead in October, but his daughter Tracey raised concerns about the end-of-life procedures in the country, a popular tourist spot, after saying she believed the life support systems were switched off without her consent.

She also told the inquest that after flying out to see her ill father, she saw staff working in jeans and sandals, blood was wiped on clothing, and swabs were kicked under a bed.

She told the inquest that in a conversion with a nurse, Ms Wheeler was told they did not need her signature to switch off the machines. A few hours later, she received a phone call informing her that her father had died.

It has not been established whether the hospital did remove life support. Coroner Grahame Short recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

Following the inquest, Mr Wheeler’s family said: “Everybody who met dad thought he was a lovely man. He always had a story to tell.

“We have both mum and dad to thank for all we have achieved and for the way they brought us up. The tragic accident that took dad from us unexpectedly is still so hard to comprehend but he is now reunited with his wife Patricia and his son Martin.”

“Rest in peace now dad. Loved and sorely missed by all.”