Coroner's Finding: Dale, Colin Rex
Deceased
Colin Rex Dale
Demographics
49y, male
Date of death
1976-09-23
Finding date
2021-03-12
Cause of death
Unable to determine - most likely entry into water whilst intoxicated, possibly drowning or hypothermia
AI-generated summary
Colin Rex Dale, a 49-year-old fisherman, disappeared on 23 September 1976 from Fisherman's Wharf at Strahan, Tasmania, after being dropped off heavily intoxicated at approximately 2:30am. He was unable to swim. The wharf was unlit, approximately 3 metres wide, with water 3 metres deep. No body was found despite comprehensive search. The coroner is satisfied Mr Dale died, most likely by entering the water whilst intoxicated, but cannot determine the precise cause (drowning versus hypothermia versus other). This case highlights the dangers of alcohol intoxication around water hazards, inadequate lighting at maritime facilities, and the importance of supervision of intoxicated individuals near water. Prevention would have required safer facilities, lighting, supervision, or alternative transport arrangements.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Heavy alcohol intoxication
- Inability to swim
- Unlit wharf facility
- Lack of barriers or safety features at wharf edge
- Obstruction (fuel hose) on walkway
- Deep water in immediate vicinity
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