Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Joseph Leon PATTERSON

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Joseph Leon PATTERSON

Delivered on :16 December 2019

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Coroner Vicker

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : On 26 July 1974 Joseph Leon Patterson (Mr Patterson) advised a close friend he was depressed over the death of his close friend’s mother and that he intended to put “to sea” and “do himself in”. On 27 July 1974 Mr Patterson was reported as missing since the 26 July 1974 aboard his private yacht, the Ednid. Mr Patterson was 30 years old in July 1974.

Water police were notified of the disappearance of Mr Patterson and the Enid but there are no reported sightings of the Enid following her disappearance from Emu Point Moorings. The police felt they had broadcast the particulars of both Mr Patterson and the Enid through all available channels, but nothing was ever hear of either again. Extensive land and sea searches found no trace of either.

The Coroner was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt Mr Patterson died in reasonably close proximity to the 26 July 1974 in the seas off the coast of Albany and made an Open Finding as to the manner of death.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Open Finding.


Last updated: 24-Mar-2020

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