A highly intelligent, but misunderstood man whose disappearance sparked a major search operation on the Broads likely died by accident, an inquest has concluded.
David Cubberley was reported missing in February and found in the water at Hickling almost two weeks later. He was 65.
His disappearance sparked an extensive search of the Broads area, including rescue boats, drones and helicopters, after concerns for his whereabouts were reported on February 17.
But it was not until February 28 that an Environment Agency worker made the tragic discovery of Mr Cubberley in the water in Candle Dyke near Hickling.
An inquest into his death was held in Norwich on Thursday, which attempted to solve the mystery surrounding the tragedy.
However, area coroner Samantha Goward concluded his death was most likely to have been an accident.
The court was told Mr Cubberley had been living alone on his Weston 670 cruiser - named Fun 4 Us 2 - in the months leading up to his death, following the sudden death of his partner of 40 years Felicity Rowe in September 2022.
Previously, the pair had been living together in Brownshill in Cromer, before Ms Rowe died after falling down a flight of stairs.
Facing eviction from the property a year later, Mr Cubberley purchased the boat and decided to live on board with their pet dog, Ursa - who he later renamed Sprout.
Conflicting evidence
The court heard Mr Cubberley would often moor his boat near Potter Heigham or Hickling - and would regularly spend time walking the surrounding areas with his dog.
A report from Norfolk Constabulary describing details of the search and was read to the court, which heard there had been conflicting reports of what may have happened.
It confirmed he had formally been reported as missing on February 17, after friends grew concerned for his welfare.
Following public appeals for information, two separate reports were made to the police which referenced hearing a shout for help on the evening of February 15.
Neither of these reports were made to emergency services at the time.
However, police were also separately told of a sighting of Mr Cubberley the following day - on February 16.
Mrs Goward said the reports of calls for help may have been coincidental.
She said: "There are some inconsistencies with the evidence and it is not clear to me whether the shouts were Mr Cubberley or not - it is not possible to say that was when he went into the water or if it was a coincidence.
"Mr Cubberley led an unusual lifestyle but was clearly a lovely, friendly man who was doing what he wanted to do.
"It is impossible to know when he went into the water, but it very much sounds to me like this was a tragic accident and he made efforts to try and float."
Friend's tribute
Mr Cubberley's inquest was attended by Catherine Metcalf, a close friend of his partner who stayed in regular touch with him following her death.
Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Cubberley paid tribute to her friend, who she described as being "misunderstood".
She said: "David was a highly intelligent, lovely man, who loved his wife very much and was devastated when she passed away.
"They both found it difficult to live in normal structures and routines - they ate and slept when they wanted to and for this reason, they were misunderstood by people around them.
"David had significant trauma in his life, but for the months he was living on his boat he was happy and had found bliss in being so close to nature.
"He needed his alternative lifestyle to manage."
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