Coroner's Finding: Haigh, Kevin Bruce
Deceased
Kevin Bruce Haigh
Demographics
62y, male
Date of death
2020-07-05
Finding date
2021-08-04
Cause of death
drowning
AI-generated summary
Kevin Bruce Haigh, a 62-year-old experienced commercial rock lobster fisherman, drowned after falling from his fishing vessel FV Yimbala into the sea near Maria Island on 5 July 2020. He was recovered after approximately 2.5 hours in the water and despite immediate CPR by bystanders and paramedics, could not be revived. The autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death. The coroner was unable to determine what caused Mr Haigh's fall—possibly a slip, trip, or transient faintness—but noted that two personal flotation devices (PFDs) were available aboard but unused. Had Mr Haigh worn a PFD, drowning would have been highly unlikely. The coroner recommended that all single-handed commercial vessel operators be required to wear PFDs and carry personal locator beacons when outside the wheelhouse.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- fall from fishing vessel into water
- not wearing personal flotation device despite availability
- working alone on vessel
- inability to swim
Coroner's recommendations
- All domestic commercial vessel operators operating single-handed should wear an appropriate personal flotation device (PFD) and carry an appropriate personal locator beacon (PLB) on their person at all times when outside the wheelhouse or superstructure of the vessel
- Appropriate regulatory authorities should give consideration to making such PFD and PLB requirements mandatory
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