RELATIVES of tragic Kyle Moore stressed the importance of teaching children the dangers of the sea after an inquest into the death of the schoolboy.

Portland schoolboy Kyle, 14, was lost after a rowing boat he took out to sea with best friend Richard Webb capsized in bad weather.

He was missing presumed drowned until his body was found by divers at Portland breakwater some three weeks later.

Yesterday West Dorset Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Kyle's uncle Terry King said it was crucial to help youngsters understand the risks the sea poses.

"Children need to be careful of the sea," he said. "We live by the coast after all. We need to teach our children to swim. Hopefully Kyle's life can save someone else's."

Mr King paid a moving tribute to Kyle, who was a student at Royal Manor Arts College.

"He was a brilliant little lad. He didn't deserve this. I miss him a lot."

He also said the family were relieved' the inquest had revealed Kyle was not under the influence.

"There were lots of rumours about alcohol and drugs," Mr King said.

"We're pleased the toxicology reports came out zero. We're happy we've finally got closure."

Kyle and Richard sneaked out of their Tilleycombe Road homes in the early hours of November 26 last year.

They found some oars and a five-foot rowing boat and headed out into Portland harbour.

They found the current tough-going and decided to return, but realised they could not row back.

Richard told the inquest he rang the coastguard on his mobile as the conditions became rougher.

"The waves started to get bigger and the water was coming in," he said.

Coastguards kept the boys talking but the call was cut off when the dinghy capsized, throwing the youngsters into choppy seas.

Richard said Kyle swam before starting to panic.

"I got taken under by a wave," he said. "I popped up and I couldn't see Kyle. I could hear him but I couldn't see him."

Richard, also 14, spotted the lifeboat and climbed aboard, but said the roar of the engine drowned out his friend's cries.

Coastguard watch manager Andy Jenkins told the inquest he received Richard's emergency call at 2.04am.

He notified the RNLI inshore lifeboat and the Portland Bill coastguard rescue team.

Secondary teams and the coastguard helicopter were later summoned when contact with the boys was lost.

Mr Jenkins explained poor weather interfered with the rescue attempt, and said Kyle was unlikely to have survived more than six hours in the conditions.

Richard was rescued at around 3am but Kyle was not found until December 17, despite the search effort.

The inquest heard it was impossible to determine the cause of death because of the delay.

Coroner Michael Johnston paid tribute to the efforts of the coastguards and the emergency workers.

I'm very grateful we have people like you to fall back on when something goes wrong like it did on that night," he said.