Inquest into the Suspected Death of Tatao HIYOMORI

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Tatao HIYOMORI

Delivered on : 4 May 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 8 January 1986 crew aboard a Japanese fishing vessel realised that Mr Hiyomori was missing from the vessel. All search efforts failed to find him and there has been no trace of Mr Hiyomori.

Mr Hiyomori was 33 years of age at the time he was aboard the vessel which had been at sea fishing for sashimi quality blue fin tuna since April 1985. At 6.00 am on 8 January 1986 a crew member had seen Mr Hiyomori when they exchanged their beds. It was not realised that Mr Hiyomori was missing until 11.00 am. Once it was confirmed that he was not on board the vessel it was assumed he must have fallen overboard sometime between 6.00 am and 7.30 am when the crew began to awaken.

The Master of the vessel order the vessel to commence an ocean search at 11.15 am and retraced it route for the preceding six hours. The Master then informed the ship’s agent in Fremantle by radio that it was believed Mr Hiyomori had fallen overboard.

Water Police were advised of a man over board situation at approximately 12.45 pm on 8 January 1986 and commenced a search of the area from the coordinates provided by the ship. Aircraft were also in the search area but there was no trace of Mr Hiyomori.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Hiyomori is deceased. The Coroner determine Mr Hiyomori died of unknown causes and made an Open Finding as to how death occurred.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Sea Search : Fishing Vessel : Open Finding

Last updated: 13-Jul-2020

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