Inquest into the Suspected Death of Andrew Inez RODRIGUES

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Andrew Inez RODRIGUES

Delivered on :4 March 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 18 December 1993 Andrew Rodrigues did not report for work as a waiter on the MV Chennai Nermai, a cargo vessel which departed Fremantle Port on Friday 17 December 1993. At the time Mr Rodrigues was reported missing the ship was in the vicinity of the Cape Naturaliste reef.

Mr Rodrigues’ cabin mate decided to sleep on the deck of the ship on the evening of Friday 17 December 1993, leaving Mr Rodrigues alone in the cabin. Mr Rodrigues was last seen around 10.15pm by other crew members who did not notice anything unusual about him. When Mr Rodrigues cabin mate went into their cabin the following morning Mr Rodrigues was not there. When Mr Rodrigues then failed to report for duty at 6.00 am the Chief Mate instigated a search of the vessel prior to notifying the Master of the vessel that Mr Rodrigues appeared to be missing.

Mr Rodrigues was reported missing to police on Sunday 19 December 1993 with advice the ship’s agent was co-ordinating aerial and sea searchers for Mr Rodrigues. On Monday 20 December 1993 Albany Police and Customs Officers boarded the vessel when it docked at the Albany Wharf. They searched the vessel but could find no trace of Mr Rodrigues.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Rodrigues was deceased but was unable to determine how the deceased died and made an Open Finding as to the manner of Mr Rodrigue’s death.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Sea and Air Search : Open Finding

Last updated: 26-Mar-2020

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