Coroner's Finding: Grey, Andrew Amos
Deceased
Andrew Amos Grey
Demographics
45y, male
Date of death
2014-12-29
Finding date
2016-06-27
Cause of death
drowning
AI-generated summary
Andrew Amos Grey, a 45-year-old experienced builder and competent boater, drowned on 29 December 2014 at Burns Bay, St Helens, Tasmania, when his recreational boat capsized in rough seas. Although Mr Grey was skilled and the vessel seaworthy, he was wearing an outdated inflatable PFD that had not been serviced in over three years and did not comply with current Australian Standards (AS 4758.1). Investigation revealed corroded press studs, a displaced air bladder, and critical failure of the PFD to provide adequate buoyancy or lift his face from water. The coroner found the PFD failure contributed significantly to his death. Recommendations were made that no person wear non-compliant PFDs and that all inflatable PFDs be serviced per manufacturer specifications.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Wore outdated inflatable PFD not compliant with current Australian Standard AS 4758.1
- PFD not serviced in accordance with manufacturer recommendations (last serviced October 2011, 3+ years prior)
- PFD failed to right wearer or lift face from water when submerged
- Corroded press studs in PFD became loose and failed to maintain proper inflation
- Air bladder in PFD was out of place
- Rough sea conditions with waves at least 1 metre high at bar crossing
Coroner's recommendations
- No person should wear a PFD that does not comply with AS 4758.1
- All inflatable PFDs must be serviced in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
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