A 33-YEAR-OLD Nelson man has died after being found face down in water at Hartlepool Marina.

The emergency services were alerted after members of the public heard shouts for help from the dock at around 11.30pm on Wednesday.

Police attended the scene and two officers rowed out in a dinghy to rescue the heavily-tattooed man.

The man, who it is thought was staying with friends in the Hartlepool area, was about 20 yards from the shore and was pulled to land between the Old West Quay pub and the Wingfield Castle vessel.

Attempts were made by paramedics to resuscitate him and he was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Further attempts were made to resuscitate him at the hospital, but he was pronounced dead at around 12.30am on Thursday.

Police have launched an investigation, and a post mortem examination was carried out yesterday.

The man has not been identified as police are still trying to trace his relatives to inform them of his death.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "The body of a man was recovered from the water at Hartlepool Marina, near to the Travel Inn.

"Police were alerted and found the man face down about 20 yards from the shore.

"Two officers used a dingy there and pulled him from the water."

A spokeswoman for Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: "We responded to a drowning victim who was of unknown age or gender at the time of the call.

"One ambulance and one rapid response vehicle went to the scene and personnel carried out resuscitation. He was then taken to hospital."

Police officers carried out door-to-door inquiries after the incident. Two engines from Stranton Fire Station and the coastguard were also called to the scene to assist.

Anyone with any information should contact Hartlepool Police on 01642 302126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.