Man jumped from ferry to his death in front of ‘screaming’ passengers after partner left him for someone else

A port worker who “never got over” the breakdown of his 25-year relationship deliberately jumped to his death from a ferry in front of “screaming” passengers, an inquest has heard.

Alan Stafford leapt from the St Cecilia Wightlink ferry between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight in August last year.

A Hampshire coroner was told on Tuesday how the 58-year-old was depressed at the time of the incident following a split with his long-term partner, who had left him for a woman.

Witness Victor Thanayagam, who was travelling on the boat with his family, saw Mr Stafford jump over the railings.

“I saw this guy coming, the first time he tried to jump, he slipped, the second time he jumped, he climbed over the railings,” he said. “My wife and everyone was screaming. It was very, very fast.”

Coastguard boats had taken part in a search for Mr Stafford, a port operator at Portsmouth Naval Base for BAE Systems, but no body was found.

His remains were eventually discovered in the water off the coast of Gosport, six days after the incident.

Mr Stafford’s sister, Katherine Upsall, told the hearing that her brother had suffered from depression issues since he came out as gay as a child but said he had a long-term relationship as an adult.

“They were together for 25 years, then he left him for a woman and I do not think he got over it,” she said.

“We think he had felt there was nowhere he could go with his life at his age, being gay is not easy to find a partner. We knew him as happy Alan and I feel we should have picked up on that.”

Coroner David Horsley said a post-mortem examination showed Mr Stafford died as a result of drowning and recorded a verdict that he had taken his own life.

He said: “Quite clearly he has had enough and intended to end his life. We must recognise the emotional and health issues. I think he was suffering from long-standing depression.”

Mr Stafford, from Southsea, had five sisters who have paid tribute to him, saying he was “lovely” and a “kind-hearted gentle and caring” man.

For confidential support in the UK, contact the Samaritans on 116 123. In the US, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline on1-800-273-8255.

Additional reporting by PA