Coroner's Finding: Crowden, Jeffrey Donald
Deceased
Jeffrey Donald Crowden
Demographics
22y, male
Date of death
1990-03-06
Finding date
2020-07-17
Cause of death
Drowning following capsize of crayfishing dinghy in Tasmania's west coast waters
AI-generated summary
Jeffrey Donald Crowden, a 22-year-old experienced deckhand and skilled sailor, disappeared off Tasmania's west coast on 6 March 1990 after a crayfishing dinghy capsized near Bird Island. The aluminium dinghy was swamped by unexpected waves during deteriorating weather conditions, overturned, and separated the two occupants. Mr Crowden remained with the overturned dinghy while his companion swam to safety. Despite extensive search and rescue operations and subsequent investigations, no trace of Mr Crowden was found. This inquest, held 30 years after the initial flawed 1991 inquest, confirms Mr Crowden's death. The coroner notes that personal flotation devices were not required at the time but suggests such equipment might have improved survival chances. The case highlights the importance of maritime safety regulations and personal protective equipment in occupational diving and boating activities.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Unexpected swamping and capsize of aluminium dinghy in deteriorating weather conditions
- Rapid onset of severe weather including rain squall and strong south-west change
- Absence of personal flotation devices (PFDs) on the dinghy
- Absence of life jackets worn by either occupant
- Separation of Mr Crowden from his companion after capsize
- Inability to return to the dinghy due to worsening sea conditions
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