The widow of a man who fell overboard from a Bermuda boat claims she faces financial ruin because of delays in receiving his death certificate, according to a British newspaper.

Beth Yates, from Stirlingshire, Scotland, has hit out at the Island's authorities for taking too long to send the document about her husband Richard, 49, who died more than a year ago.

The Sunday Mail reports that she has been unable to claim his pension or get her mortgage paid off without the death certificate.

The article states merchant seaman Mr. Yates was working on a Bermuda-based Shell gas tanker on a voyage from France to Africa. It does not specify where or when the accident happened, or name the vessel.

"I am being denied the circumstances surrounding my husband's death. Now I face the daily worry of finding money for the house, loan and car," Mrs. Yates is reported as saying.

"I have begged the Police in Bermuda to send me his certificate and let me know how Richard died but they have so far refused."

According to the Sunday Mail, Mr. Yates' shipmates only realised he was missing when they found his empty coffee cup and newspaper on a table.

A spokesman for Shell is reported as saying: "A death certificate can only be released once the coroner has a report from the Bermuda Government."

A Bermuda Government spokesman reportedly said: "We hope to get it resolved as soon as possible for the family."

Yesterday, The Royal Gazette contacted both Government and Police about the report. Last night, both were looking into the story and investigating whose responsibility it was to send a death certificate to the family.

Dropping a hint that the incident did not happen near the Island, Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre's duty officer told this newspaper: "I have searched our records as far back as January 2005 and can confirm that RCC Bermuda had no involvement in or knowledge of this incident."