A holidaymaker died after getting caught out by the tide when he walked out to explore a shipwreck with his grandchild, an inquest has heard. Raymond Mills, 74, was on a day out at Brancaster beach in Norfolk and had carefully planned his trip out to the SS Vina, but got into difficulties with strong currents near the ship.
![[Wreck of the SS Vina at Brancaster. A holidaymaker died after getting caught out by the tide when he walked out to explore a shipwreck with his grandchild, an inquest has heard. Raymond Mills, 74, was on a day out at Brancaster beach in Norfolk and had carefully planned his trip out to the SS Vina. He got into difficulties in the strong currents near the vessel - a notorious area known as Wreck Sands - and disappeared beneath the water.His granddaughter was able to get back to safety and a search operation was launched.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237158004-4b80.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The SS Vina is positioned in an area known as Wreck Sands – where Mr Mills disappeared beneath the water. His granddaughter was able to get back to safety and a search operation was launched, but Mr Mills, from Milton Keynes, was found in the water an hour later.
![[Man dies while attempting to reach shipwreck off Norfolk beach with grandchild Raymond Mills died on Brancaster beach in August 2024 Collect taken from https://www.fakenhamtimes.co.uk/news/24878166.man-dies-visiting-brancaster-beach-shipwreck/]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237166184-c2c8-e1737737434159.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=328)
Mr Mills was flown to Norwich Airport, where he was to be transported to an ambulance, but he was pronounced dead when the aircraft landed. Mr Mills’ family told the inquest into his death, held this week at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, that there should be additional safety measures at the beach, which is owned by the National Trust.
They called for the wreck to be removed and more warning signs to be put in place highlighting the dangers. ‘Safety-conscious’ Mr Mills had researched his expedition before setting off to visit the ship, which sank in 1944 while being used as target practice for the RAF.
It lies about 800 metres off the main beach and is exposed at low tide. The retired engineer and his wife Jacqueline were on the first day of their holiday in Norfolk with their three grandchildren. The group were staying at Hunstanton but travelled to Brancaster for the day, on August 17, 2024.
