June 20, 2018 5.16 pm This story is over 69 months old

Body found near Spalding nature reserve identified

Inquest into the death opened
Moulton Marsh. Photo: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

The body of a 35-year-old woman found after an extensive search at a nature reserve near Spalding has been identified.

Seonaid Patel from Moulton Seas End is thought to have died while trying to rescue her dog from water on June 13.

An inquest into her death was opened at Boston Coroners’ Court on June 20 by M Spittal.

As previously reported, the National Police Air Service helicopter, a police drone, several boats and the coastguard agency carried out a search at Moulton Marsh Nature Reserve after reports of a woman entering the River Welland.

Emergency teams including firefighters, ambulance crews and the coastguard were unable to locate the woman, but a body was found at 1.35pm that afternoon.

The dog reportedly survived.

At the time police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and the next of kin were being informed.

Inspector for the South Holland area at Lincolnshire Police, Gareth Boxall, previously said: “For several hours we worked with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Her Majesty’s Coastguard to try to locate this lady.

“Air support from three helicopters, several boats and our own drone were unfortunately unable to locate the lady.

“I am very sad to report that at 13.35pm we found the body of a 35-year-old local woman and we have informed her next of kin of her death. We are not treating the incident as suspicious.”