A HEARTBROKEN widow has blasted safety measures after her husband of 27 years drowned on a dream Caribbean holiday.

Redhouse woman Sue Fawcett called for lessons to be learned, following an inquest that concluded husband Roy died of accidental drowning on a poorly monitored holiday excursion.

The couple had booked a two-week dream trip to the Dominican Republic last autumn with package tour company TUI. Two days before they were due to fly home to Swindon, telecomms project manager Roy had joined a snorkelling party exploring the azure seas off Paradise Island with 10 other holidaymakers.

As the other divers returned to the beach, 56-year-old Sue noticed one man in the water. It was Roy.

Trip staff and holidaymakers dragged him to the shore. He had a pulse and staff began performing CPR, but Sue told Staffordshire Coroners’ Court yesterday she did not believe the person attempting to save her husband’s life had been trained in the essential first aid skill.

Speaking after the inquest, Sue said: “When the doctor at the hospital told me that Roy had died, I just broke down. I could not believe it and still really cannot believe that he has died.

“I cannot thank enough the other holidaymakers who tried to save Roy’s life, but I’m angry that safety measures on what was an organised excursion appeared to be so lax.

“It seemed to me that the official excursion workers were ill prepared for an emergency and did not seem to know what to do.

“Roy was such an intelligent, caring and funny person who would do anything for his family. Life will never be the same now for our family because of his death. Everyone misses him every day.

“The only hope for our family now is that the appropriate lessons can be learned from the inquest’s findings to ensure no one else has to suffer the heartache and pain of losing a loved one in such circumstances when it could be prevented.”

Sue, a mother of three, was represented at the inquest by legal firm Irwin Mitchell.

Lesley Edwards, a lawyer with the firm, said: “Sue and the rest of the family have faced an incredibly difficult five months trying to come to terms with the loss of Roy in such tragic circumstances. It’s of paramount importance the inquest's findings are noted and that the lessons are learned to ensure the safety of others on similar trips in future."

A TUI spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Fawcett following this tragic incident. We note the Coroner’s comments and we will be further reviewing the matter with the third party excursion provider.”