Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Frank Edward RODIER

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Frank Edward RODIER

Delivered on :14 August 2024

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Deputy State Coroner Linton

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : Frank Rodier was last seen alive on 25 May 1975, in the Indian Ocean off Red Bluff, north of Carnarvon, Western Australia. He has not been seen again. An inquest was  held into his suspected disappearance on 14 August 2024.

The Coroner heard evidence that Frank, who was 16 years old at the time, went fishing with two older work friends that day. The group were fishing off rocks at an area known as ‘the Caves’. One of them caught a fish, and the fish and fishing line became tangled on rocks below. Frank and one of the men went down onto the lower ledge to try and retrieve the catch and untangle the line. A large wave washed in and knocked them both over. Frank was further out on the ledge and was washed into the sea. He tried to get back up onto the ledge but the rocks were jagged and the waves were strong. It appeared he was injured and was struggling to make headway, so eventually he swam away from the rock edge. He was last seen floating in the water, apparently lifeless, before he disappeared beneath the waves. His disappearance was reported to the authorities and a search commenced that day. Police, volunteers and members of Frank’s family all searched for him for several days, but he was never seen again.

The police concluded at the time that Frank appeared to have died on 25 May 1975 and his family, with whom Frank was very close, came to accept that he was never going to return home. A recent police review confirmed that there has been no sighting of Frank, nor any evidence suggesting he was alive, after 25 May 1975. An investigation was ordered by the State Coroner into his suspected death and a mandatory inquest was held.

The Deputy State Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that Frank Rodier is deceased and he died on 25 May 1975 in the waters off Red Bluff. The Coroner was unable to determine the cause of death as he may have died from his injuries or from drowning, the deceased. However, the Coroner was satisfied that he died by way of accident.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Rock Fishing : Accident

 


Last updated: 11-Sep-2024

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