items gone after death

I had to answer phone. I don't have time to save otherwise the call will go to answer phone so I take a chance and just go answer it- but as it was important I got distracted and didn't come back and save game. I died- assume it was creeper due to crater. 

All my stuff gone. No XP, no blocks of dirt. 

I know I took a chance that I would die- but I was spawned nr by and decided to chance loosing some stuff as I was in a fairly safe location. 

There was water- not more than 1 block as the creeper had caused a flood. 

I don't know if this was a bug or just a side effect - but I am so sure that water does not destroy items- just time. 

I was about 10 mins on phone- and after re-spawning I was less than 30 blocks away from where I died. 

 

Just thought Id let you know. I had full inventory, diamond sword, other iron tools, 16 sticky pistons!!! 64 red stone dust, 24 repeaters, Plus smooth stone and lots of logs and wood, etc. Is a real pain. I mean not so much that was really valuable- but it all represents time investments and Ive gone back to work on my project and feel a bit fed up at the loss of all resources so have switched off again.