Winchester Coroners’ Court hears former marine from New Milton, Trevor Vesty, died after being exposed to asbestos while serving on warships including HMS Superb

A FORMER marine from New Milton who died from lung cancer was exposed to asbestos while serving on warships, an inquest heard.

Trevor Vesty (89), of Mornington Court care home, passed away on 25th October last year.

Winchester Coroners’ Court heard how Mr Vesty went to his GP in February after suffering from increased breathlessness, for which he was referred to Lymington hospital for scans.

He was later diagnosed with sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma, a tumour caused by asbestos exposure.

A statement from cardiothoracic consultant Martin Chamberlain, based at Southampton General Hospital, was read to the court, which explained he discussed treatment options, including chemotherapy, with Mr Vesty.

However, Mr Vesty declined and he opted to receive palliative care.

In a statement, his son Steven Vesty explained his father had been “an active, healthy man” who was rarely unwell.

Although he had been a moderate smoker, he gave up in 1979.

The court heard Mr Vesty had a long career in the police force, but had not been exposed to asbestos during this time.

The statement from Steven Vesty added that enquiries to the Ministry of Defence confirmed his father had been exposed to the cancer-causing material in the form of lagging in the engine rooms of warships, including HMS Superb during the 1950s.

Senior coroner Christopher Campbell Wilkinson said it was “more likely than not” than Mr Vesty had been exposed to asbestos while serving on warships and recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.