The final chapter in a Second World War bomb drama has ended with a hero skipper’s death.
Lewis Mulhearn suffered PTSD in the lead-up to his death in January, two years after a German bomb exploded underneath his boat when it was crab fishing off Cromer.
An inquest - which has just concluded - found Mr Mulhearn died at his home in Weymouth in Dorset, aged 39.
Jade Simm, his sister, said he was “the most dedicated husband and father”, who “worked his fingers to the bone” to give his family a happy and secure life.
She said: “He was always such a joker who loved to make his family and friends smile and laugh. He was a happy-go-lucky person.
READ MORE: War-time bomb lay dormant for 80 years before exploding under fishing boat
“Life after the explosion was so difficult for Lewis and he struggled more than anyone knew. He was a proud man and unfortunately hid the true extent of his struggles.
“We are devastated to lose such a beloved family member in such tragic circumstances.”
The inquest, held in Bournemouth, heard how Mr Mulhearn’s boat, the 42ft Galwad-Y-Mor, was pulling up a string of crab pots when the 290lb bomb exploded.
It sent a shockwave which threw the boat out of the air, leaving it crippled.
Mr Mulhearn suffered head injuries, three broken vertebrae, a broken sternum, knee damage, a broken orbital bone and multiple facial lacerations.
Despite this, he co-ordinated the rescue of his six crew mates, who were also badly injured, by launching a life raft and lifting them into it.
A Coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboat were dispatched but it was two fast boats from the offshore wind farm support ship, Esvagt Njord, that was first to the scene.
Given first-aid aboard the ship, three crew members were airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary, while the others were taken ashore by boat, first to Cromer Hospital and then to the Norfolk and Norwich.
Mr Mulhearn was later presented with the Emile Robin Award from the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society by Princess Anne for his heroic actions.
READ MORE: Crew honoured for saving seven fishermen after boat explosion
The bomb the boat encountered was a German SC250 - one of the most commonly used bombs of the Second World War. Many were dropped on London during the Blitz.
In a statement read out at the inquest, his wife, Jodie, said: “He valued family life and the company of our children. He would dance with them in the kitchen and he enjoyed playing the guitar.
“In the months and years following the explosion, there were times he turned to alcohol to self-medicate.
“He found it difficult to sleep and suffered from night terrors. He never had a full night's sleep.
“He found it hard to talk about. He was never the same after that day.”
The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.
Mrs Simm added: “Lewis and his family never received a single penny in compensation for the catastrophic physical and mental injuries he sustained in the explosion.
"This, coupled with his death has meant a huge financial strain on his family."
A fundraiser was launched to benefit Mr Mulhearn’s children Frankie, nine, Lewie, seven, Reggie, four, and stepchildren Kia, 23, and Will, 18.
Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/f/heros-children-following-his-untimely-death.
If you need help and support, call NHS 111 and select option 2 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
Both services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can also download the Stay Alive app on Apple & Android.
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