A WOMAN suffering from depression hanged herself less than a week after being rescued from a river, an inquest was told.

Retired HR executive Michele Pink was spotted beside a pontoon at Lymington town quay and hauled into a boat by harbour patrol officer Greg Pachany.

A bystander later claimed that 62-year-old Ms Pink had behaved “almost as if she was trying to commit suicide”, the inquest heard.

A note found in her car following her death said: “I have gone for a swim and may not come back. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

The coroner said it was unclear if she entered the water deliberately but added that the note suggested she was thinking of taking her own life.

Mr Pachany was on duty near the Lymington River on August 7 this year when he rescued a woman who was lying unconscious just below the surface.

The Winchester inquest heard that holidaymaker Ms Pink made no attempt to save herself.

A witness, Colin McLean, said she appeared to be using her bag to force herself under the water and added: “It was almost as if she was trying to commit suicide.”

But Ms Pink, who lived near Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was allowed to go on her way after being checked over by an ambulance crew.

Six days later she was found hanged in her room at the Beach House Hotel in Milford-on-Sea.

Long-term partner, Brian Mann, said Ms Pink’s personality changed following the death of her elderly mother.

Coroner Grahame Short said: “She was recovered from the water in what I can only describe as somewhat strange circumstances.

"Whether she entered the water deliberately or accidentally isn’t clear from the evidence.

“Her note was ambiguous and somewhat unhelpful, but it does suggest she was contemplating the possibility of taking her own life.

“It seems to me that she could not cope with her mental illness and its effect on her life.

“She decided she would never be free of the anguish she suffered and that her death was the only way to end it.”

He recorded a verdict of suicide.