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Michael Holt: Atlantic Ocean rower died after wave injured hand

Family Handout Michael HoltFamily Handout
Michael Holt completed 700 miles of the challenge before he fell ill and was later found dead onboard his boat

A rower died in the Atlantic Ocean after injuring his hand when his boat was hit by a wave, an inquest has heard.

Michael Holt, 54, died from "polytrauma due to accidental injury," a doctor examining his body said.

Mr Holt, from Porthmadog, Gwynedd, left Gran Canaria on 27 January with the goal of reaching Barbados for charity.

The Type 1 diabetic completed 700 miles of the challenge before he fell ill and was later found dead onboard his boat.

Coroner André Rebello gave the cause of death as polytrauma - meaning two or more severe injuries in at least two areas of the body - describing it as a "tragic accidental death", at the inquest in Liverpool.

He also said Mr Holt displayed "heroic efforts".

His death was registered in Cape Verde and his family raised more than £20,000 to bring his body home.

Just days before he died, he lost an oar and cut his hand when he was "nearly knocked overboard" by a strong wave.

His family said he was "well prepared" and had a spare oar in case of emergencies, as well as medical supplies to avoid infections.

Mr Holt was travelling alone on his vessel, Mynadd, and his relatives said he was suffering with seasickness, which he suspected was a "bad reaction to taking some antibiotics".

Because of this, Mr Holt decided to postpone his journey to Barbados and began rowing 300 miles south to the island Cape Verde.

Efforts to communicate with him failed, and he was later found dead in his cabin by the crew of a fishing vessel that had sailed to his aid.

Map showing location the boat was found

His brother David said he was "incredibly proud" of his brother.

"Despite what's happened, to be rowing on the open sea for 24 days and to cover over 700 miles is amazing," he said.

"There's probably a reason nobody with type 1 diabetes has ever rowed across the Atlantic Ocean before, but when Michael got an idea in his head that would be it.

"What he achieved is incredible."

Mr Holt had been living in the Wirral and was raising money for Mind and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services.