Family speaks of loss after ‘fishing’ tragedy

“I expect that they chose Cooper Bridge because there was an industrial building and that there would be rich pickings.”

And Paul Andrews, Martin’s brother from Farsley, near Leeds, said: “Martin was a great bloke and a great brother and Jack was growing into being a great man.”

Martin’s dad, James, a father-offour from Leeds added: “My son was great. ”

A Canal & River Trust spokesman, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Martin and Jack Andrews following the inquest.

“We were very sad to learn of their untimely deaths earlier this summer.

“Whilst we don’t allow magnet fishing on our waterways we are aware of the growing interest in the pastime and will always consider new advice about how to address any dangers posed.”

A Huddersfield man who has extensive experience of magnet fishing said: “The death of these men is an awful tragedy which highlights the dangers of this increasingly popular hobby.

“There are several risks, not least the danger of drowning, either from falling into water while attempting to drag something out, or from entering the water in an attempt to retrieve a stuck magnet.

“Magnets, which can cost around £100 each, can and do become stuck fast beneath the water as they become snagged on an object.

“In this tragic case it is not possible to say how or why the men ended up in the water.

“Perhaps they were trying to retrieve their magnet, or perhaps they fell in.

“As well as the dangers from fast flowing and very cold water, there is also the hazard from submerged objects – and there are a lot of such objects in canals – including dumped motorbikes, cycles, shopping trolleys, scaffolding, metal bars and so on.”