Inquest into the Suspected Death of Wombat NGURRAKATA

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Wombat NGURRAKATA

Delivered on : 2 June 2020

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations : N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 17 January 1988 Mr Ngurrakata was camping in bushland in Manari when he left the camp to hunt. He was never seen again, nor were any remains ever located.

Mr Ngurrakata was described as a senior law man in his community. Mr Ngurrakata worked at many stations across the Kimberley and knew his way around. Medical evidence indicated that Mr Ngurrakata was an asthmatic. It was reported Mr Ngurrakata was shaking when he was last seen byfamily in Fitzroy Crossing before Christmas 1987.

Mr Ngurrakata’s disappearance was reported to the Broome Police on 17 January 1988 and police were advised that family and friends intended to return to Manari to look for Mr Ngurrakata. When Mr Ngurrakata could not be found and concerns were raised for his welfare, police were requested to assist on 18 January 1988.

Police arranged for a search of the Manari area with SES volunteers, local aboriginal lawmen and trackers. On 20 January 1988 a single engine wing aircraft was hired to assist in the search with four coastal watch volunteers onboard as spotters. Despite extensive air and land searching there has been no sighting of Mr Ngurrakata.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Ngurrakata is deceased and died on or about 17 January 1988 somewhere in the Manari area. The Coroner was unable to determine how the deceased died and made an Open Finding as to the manner of Mr Ngurrakata’s death.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Land and Air Search : Remote Area of Kimberley : Open Finding

Last updated: 16-Jul-2020

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