A MAN has told an inquest how he frantically tried to keep hold of his brother as they were swept out to sea by a strong wave.

Mohammed Valley and his brother Umor had been swimming off the beach of opposite the LTI Beach Club resort at Agadir, Morocco, where they were staying, when they got into difficulties.

Mohammed was rescued by lifeguards but when 20-year-old university student Umor was pulled from the water he was unconscious and died.

At the request of Mr Valley's family an inquest was held in Bolton without them being present and their statements were read by acting senior coroner Alan Walsh.

The court heard how the Valley brothers and their cousins were among a group of 14 family members who flew out to Adagir for a holiday on February 15.

Mr Walsh was told that they spent time enjoying the hotel's facilities and each day Mohammed and Umor, would go for a dip in the sea, but would not venture far because they were not strong swimmers.

At around noon on February 18 they went down to the sea.

Reading Mohammed's statement, Mr Walsh said: "At first the depth was only knee deep and then waist deep and then suddenly the waves and current seemed much stronger than normal and before they realised, both Umor and himself became separated.

"He could see Umor struggling because of the waves and the current.

"Mohammed swam towards him and he remembers grabbing hold of him, but then, sadly, the current seemed to pull them apart.."

By the time lifeguards were able to reach Umor he had drowned and attempts to resuscitate him failed.

Mohammed stated: "This was nothing more than a tragic accident. It had been joyful family holiday which ended with this tragic incident."

Umor, of Belmont Road, Bolton, was described as "kind, happy and full of life" by his father, Dilaver Valley.

He had been studying quantity surveying at Salford University and worked for a kitchen company in Preston at weekends.

Mr Walsh recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

He said: "They became tangled in the current and the strong waves which seemed to be sudden and unexpected.

"In spite of Mohammed's attempts to hold onto his brother they became separated."

He added: "Umor was someone who, in the words of his father, was very popular, very bright and intelligent and had the whole of his life in front of him.

"It is immensely sad and a grave tragedy that he should then die in these circumstances, particularly when he was very mindful of the dangers of the sea.

"It is an enormous tragedy and my heartfelt condolences and sympathies go to his family.

"It is quite clear to me that he was brought up in a loving, caring family and turned out to be that loving, caring son that you would be very proud to have as your son."