Inquest into the Suspected Death of Malcolm Andrew CARPENTER

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Malcolm Andrew CARPENTER

Delivered on :31 March 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 25 May 1975 Malcolm Andrew Carpenter (Mr Carpenter) was fishing off rocks at Mutton Bird Beach in the vicinity of Shelter Island (commonly referred to as Mutton Bird Island) with his family. Shortly after commencing to fish Mr Carpenter slipped from the rocks into the sea, where he was seen to be attempting to swim before he disappeared under the water. Mr Carpenter was never seen again.

The sea was very calm at the time Mr Carpenter commenced fishing. The family had not been fishing for very long when they realised Mr Carpenter had fallen into the water. Mr Carpenter attempted to swim back against the current towards the rocks from which he had fallen but he could not make any headway and he drifted out to sea for about 50 yards and along the coast line. He then disappeared.

Albany Police were notified and an extensive ground, sea and air search was undertaken. A continuous search was maintained until about the 5 June 1975 by police with the assistance from selected private citizens and four wheel drive vehicles. An intermittent search of the coastline was made for almost six weeks though nothing has been observed which would assist in the location of Mr Carpenter.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Carpenter is deceased. The Coroner found the death occurred by way of Misadventure.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Land, Sea and Air Search : Misadventure

Last updated: 14-Apr-2020

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