A RETIRED shipyard worker died as a result of industrial disease due to asbestos exposure, an inquest heard.

Thomas Kilburn died at the age of 87 at Furness General Hospital on November 2, 2020, Cockermouth Coroner’s Court was told.

The Conyers Avenue resident was believed to have been exposed to asbestos during his time working in the shipyard in Barrow which was ruled as the most likely cause of his mesothelioma, according to assistant coroner Mr Craig Smith.

After his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Furness General where he suffered from progressive mesothelioma for which he received palliative care on the ward.

The coroner concluded said the cause of death was by industrial disease.