A FUNDRAISER from Wirral, who tragically died during a charity rowing challenge across the Atlantic, suffered multi-injuries which led to his death, an inquest has found. 

Rochdale-born Michael Holt, 54, of Cedarway, Heswall, embarked from Gran Canaria on January 27 this year with the goal of reaching Barbados in the Caribbean.

He was raising money for the charity Mind and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services.

Mr Holt was travelling solo on his vessel, named Mynadd, and he had no helicopter or boat helping him.

But 700 miles into his journey, Mr Holt, who had type 1 diabetes, contacted the company that was tracking his progress, to say he was feeling unwell and was making for Cape Verde.

At an inquest held at Gerard Majella Courthouse in Liverpool,  His Majesty's Senior Coroner for the Liverpool and Wirral area, André Rebello, said Mr Holt's body was found in his cabin on Sunday, February 25 by the crew of a fishing vessel that had sailed to his aid.

He was identified by a funeral director following his repatriation. 

Mr Holt, was described as a managing director who was the husband of Lynn Holt, a dance teacher. 

Mr Rebello said that Mr Holt's body had been examined by Dr Eliso Hunmberto, a Portuguese doctor, who gave the cause of death as "polytrauma due to accidental injury".

The Senior Coroner said that Mr Holt's boat had been "hit by a wave" and he had "sustained a hand injury".  

His death would be registered in Cape Verde. 

Mr Rebello, who concluded Mr Holt died of polytrauma, added: "This was a tragic accidental death. 

"Mr Holt's heroic efforts have resulted in a fatality which makes it very difficult."

Paying tribute on Mr Holt's Facebook page, his brother, David, said: "Of course this was not the ultimate conclusion we were looking for, but I am somewhat comforted knowing he died doing something he absolutely wanted to do with a passion and managed to row in excess of 700 miles in the process. An achievement in itself.

"This is a huge shock to myself, his wife Lynne and daughter Scarlett and my parents, not to mention wider family and friends.

"Many thanks for the kind words and wishes that you have already sent us during the past few days. They mean a great deal to all the family."