Lucas Dobson, six, died while on a fishing trip
A six-year-old boy died on a family fishing trip after falling into a fast-flowing river as he tried to jump from a pontoon onto a boat, an inquest has heard.
An idyllic August summer day spent fishing, playing and eating sausages on the bank of the River Stour in Kent quickly became a nightmare when little Lucas Dobson fell into the water.
Despite desperate attempts to save him, the strong currents ‘sucked him in’ and he was swept away on the tragic day in August last year, an inquest heard.
A huge search involving divers, dogs and drones was launched, with the local community coming together to help, but Lucas’ body was found four days later.
An inquest into his death is today being held at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone, Kent, attended by a dozen of Lucas’ family and friends.
The coroner heard that Lucas’ father Nathan Dobson owned a 25ft boat and the pair would go out on the river every weekend, something Lucas loved to do.
They and some friends had been relaxing by the river in Sandwich, Kent, on August 17, 2019 when tragedy struck.
Family friend James Fromage described the heart-wrenching moment when without warning Lucas tried to jump across to a boat where other children were playing.
An idyllic summer day spent fishing, playing and eating sausages on the bank of the River Stour in Kent quickly became a nightmare when little Lucas (pictured left with his mother Kirsty Furze), fell into the water
Despite desperate attempts to save him, the strong currents ‘sucked him in’ and he was swept away on the tragic day in August last year, an inquest heard. Pictured: Rescuers searched the River Stour in hope of finding Lucas
The coroner heard that Lucas’ father Nathan Dobson (pictured last year) owned a 25ft boat and the pair would go out on the river every weekend, something Lucas loved to do
He said: ‘He tried to jump on and just dropped like a pencil straight into the water.’
Mr Fromage said he rushed over but could not fit down the gap Lucas had fallen into.
He went to the other side of the mooring and jumped into the river to swim over, quickly joined in the water by Lucas’ father and two other men.
Heartbroken father Nathan Dobson told the inquest that he had been working on a nearby boat when he heard noises.
An inquest into his death is today being held at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone in attended by a dozen of Lucas’ family and friends. Pictured: Lucas’s grandmother Donna Kentfield today alongside family solicitor Neil Ryan (right)
He said: ‘I looked down, it must have been less than a minute and then I heard a commotion.
‘I just saw the look on James’ face and he said it’s Lucas.’
Four men including Mr Dobson jumped into the river to try and rescue Lucas, battling against the fast current.
Breaking down into tears, Mr Dobson said: ‘It goes fast, very fast.
‘(I) felt my legs sort of get washed straight away.
Lucas, Mr Dobson and family friend James Fromage had been relaxing by the river in Sandwich, Kent, on August 17, 2019 when tragedy struck. Pictured: Search teams scan a section of the River Stour
‘It was hard to hold on.’
He stuck his head underwater to try and find Lucas but the visibility in the murky river was poor.
‘I wanted to see him come up. He didn’t come up once.
‘No one saw him he got sucked out like a bath plug.
‘It just sucked him in.’
Emergency services were called and arrived swiftly, but Lucas was nowhere to be found.
After four days of desperate searching using divers, dogs and drones his body was found on the morning of Wednesday August 21.
Detective Sergeant Lauren Craig, who led the investigation into the tragedy, said she did not know to this day if a lifejacket would have saved Lucas.
His cause of death was given as immersion, the inquest was told.
After four days of desperate searching using divers, dogs and drones his body was found on the morning of Wednesday, August 21
Nearly 500 mourners attended his funeral at St George’s Church in Deal in September, wearing red in support of Lucas, some had also dyed their hair.
His red coffin was dedicated to Lightning McQueen from Disney’s Cars movie, with the word ‘Lightyear’ in the shape of the tyres and ’95’ emblazoned across it.
Mr Dobson delivered an emotional eulogy, saying: ‘You were my strength when I was weak.
‘You were the light that shined in the dark.
Nearly 500 mourners attended his funeral at St George’s Church in Deal in September, wearing red in support of Lucas, some had also dyed their hair
‘I’m sorry you had to leave so soon.’
His grandmother Donna also addressed the funeral and took deep breaths before paying tribute.
She said: ‘The reason we are here today is heart breaking, but I would like to share some precious memories with you all.
‘I hope to make you all smile, maybe even laugh.
‘I was there when he was born. It was the most amazing experience, and I have got my daughter Kirsty [Lucas’s mother] and Nathan to thank for that.
Mr Dobson delivered an emotional eulogy, saying: ‘You were my strength when I was weak
‘He was my perfect little pickle from the moment he was born.
‘We creates some lovely, lovely memories on various holidays.
‘Our first camping holiday… there was about eight of us in a four-man tent.
‘He wrapped himself to me and didn’t need a baby carrier. He was there for the whole four days.’
Reverend Peter Ould paid tribute to the ‘ordinary people’ who did so much to help with the search for little Lucas.
Members of the emergency services were honoured with a standing ovation.
Members of the emergency services were honoured with a standing ovation. Pictured: Rescue team members and police officers attended Lucas’s funeral
Writing on Facebook shortly after his death, Lucas’s mother Kirsty Furze wrote: ‘I’m Lucas’s mum and I just want to thank each and every one of you.
‘I’m so thankful for donations and the food and being out all hours searching for my baby, and for the police & rescue and search team.
‘I can’t not believe how much my baby has touched all your hearts. He was such a beautiful boy.
‘Lucas is looking down on everyone saying thank you in his own way. Lucas will never ever ever be forgotten.
‘I’m so overwhelmed with the support I have and had and so is Lucas’s dad.
‘I really don’t know how else I could show my appreciation to you all.’