A SOUTH West Water employee from Falmouth who lost his life after being found in one of the filtration tanks at Falmouth Docks has been named locally as Robert Geach.

54-year-old Mr Geach, who lived in Mongleath Road was discovered at around 8pm on Monday, December 30 at the sewage treatment works.

His widow Sylvia Geach is said to be devastated by her husband's death.

Ambulance staff attempted to resuscitate him at the scene before he was taken to Truro’s Royal Cornwall Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His family has been informed.

Police have now launched a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive over the circumstances surrounding the death. The coroner has also been informed.

A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed that it was taking part in the investigation, which is being led by the police, as is standard practice when there has been a death.

A post-mortem has been carried out and investigators are awaiting the results.

A South West Water spokesman said: “South West Water regrets to confirm that an employee died at Falmouth Sewage Treatment Works on Monday, December 30.

“Our thoughts are with the employee's family and friends at this very difficult time.

“South West Water will be working with the relevant authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive, to investigate the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further while this investigation is ongoing.”