An open verdict has been recorded at the inquest of a Royal Fleet Auxiliary crewman, who drowned after entering Douglas Bay.

Twnety-five year-old Keith Rice from Middlesex was with the vessel Orangeleaf, which was anchored there last year.

He was one of 21 men who had been given shore leave on June the 3rd.

It's thought after returning to the vessel, he and another man Mark Petre, whose body is still missing, were playing drinking games.

Mr Rice's body was found late in June, and a post mortem revealed the cause of death was drowning.

Coroner Michael Moyle heard from Ryan Poulton, a fellow crew member who had joined the men in a game called 'bar olympics'; at the bar which wasn't supposed to be open.

Mr Poulton says he, Mr Rice and Mr Petre were all 'pretty drunk'.

Initially, the men dared each other to go through the port hole on to the deck. Once on the deck, according to Mr Poulton, Mr Rice is alleged to have suggested they jump off the ship - a drop of between 30 and 40 feet- and swim around to the accomodation ladder on the other side.

Mr Poulton says this idea was discarded at the time. He said he then returned to his cabin to take a phone call; a fact backed up by call logs examined by police.

Mr Rice's shoes were later found on the deck close to the accomodation ladder, and his wallet and phone were found in the bar.

Mr Moyle said he had little option but to record an open verdict, because there was no real evidence of foul play and a number of possible explanations.