Inquest into the Suspected Death of Sigurd MOEN

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Sigurd MOEN

Delivered on : 15 November 2019

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 24 September 1967 Mr Moen was intoxicated and disappeared, presumable from the deck of the Norwegian registered vessel on which he was employed. Despite an extensive search no trace of him was ever found.

On the evening of 23 September 1967 Mr Moen was invited to a fellow seaman’s cabin for drinks. Although Mr Moen was on duty he visited the cabin on at least two occasions during the night to have a drink. At approximately 4.30 am on 24 September 1967 Mr Moen said he wanted to go on deck for some fresh air and was accompanied by another crew member. They went onto the main deck on the starboard side of the vessel. They walked a short distance along the deck when Mr Moen said he wanted to feel “salt water in his face” and climbed onto the top rail of the guardrail. Mr Moen was pulled down from the guardrail and physically held down as he was struggling. Mr Moen advised that he wanted to go for a walk and he was last seen walking slowly forwards along the deck.

At approximately 4.50 am Mr Moen was observed to be missing and after a search of the ship he was reported missing. The Captain was notified and a full search of the entire vessel was ordered but the crew could not find any trace of Mr Moen.

Mr Moen’s disappearance was reported to the Fremantle port Authority and the WA Police were notified.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Moen is deceased and died within a very short period of falling overboard and was probably deceased by 5.00 am on 24 September 1967. The Coroner was unable to determine how the deceased died and made an Open Finding as to the manner of Mr Moen’s death.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Open Finding

Last updated: 14-Jul-2020

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