Inquest into the Death of Depczynski, Zygmunt
Delivered on: 9 October 2026
Delivered at: Perth
Finding of: Acting State Coroner Linton
Recommendations: Nil
Orders/Rules: N/A
Summary:
Mr Zygmunt Depczynski was born in Chicago, USA on 22 August 1909.
Mr Depczynski, his wife, and two daughters emigrated to Western Australia arriving at Fremantle by ship on 5 January 1950. The family settled in Albany and eventually went on to have a third child.
On Sunday 26 August 1973, Mr Depczynski left home at 8.00 am and went fishing at the Blowholes in Torndirrup National Park. He was a keen fisherman and regularly fished alone in that area. The Gap and the Blowholes in the Torndirrup National Park near Albany are known to be treacherous.
Mr Depczynski was due to arrive home between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm to provide the fish for dinner that night. When he did not return as expected his son went to the car park at the Blowholes to search for him. He located his vehicle locked but no sign of his father. By 7.10 pm his family reported him missing to Police.
Due to the dangers of searching at night in that area Police did not commence a search until the next day when a wide search of the area surrounding the Blowholes was conducted. No trace of Mr Depczynski was found. Further extensive enquiries were made but none found any form of activity from Mr Depczynski since the date of his disappearance.
The Acting State Coroner was satisfied that Mr Depczynski died on or about 26 August 1973 whilst fishing alone off the Albany coastline. His death more than likely occurred due to an accident when he has fallen off a rock or was washed by a wave into the ocean. However, his cause of death must remain unascertained.
The Acting State Coroner did not make any recommendations.
Catch Words : Long term missing person: Accident: Unascertained cause of death: Fishing: Torndirrup National Park: Blowholes
Last updated: 20 October 2026