Friends and colleagues of a sailor who was killed in the Westcountry's worst storm for nearly four years were yesterday struggling to come to terms with their loss.

The Met Office said the winds were the strongest recorded in the region since March 2008, and the unsettled weather would linger, although the worst has passed.

Owners of the tanker Annie PG, which was battered by winds of up to 70mph 30 miles off Falmouth, yesterday expressed their "heartfelt condolences".

Pritchard Gordon Tankers yesterday released a statement saying: "Two crew members sustained injuries when struck by a wave while on deck, and a third was injured on attempting to assist."

It added: "Tragically, despite receiving medical attention on board the vessel and helicopter, one of the men did not survive. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues and friends and we would like to express our heartfelt condolences."

The other two crew members were yesterday in a stable condition in hospital.

The ship is reported to be "fully seaworthy", and has now arrived in Falmouth.

The Met Office said strong winds were set to continue across the region overnight, but would die down this morning, giving way to showers.