Inquest into the Death of Andrew Trevor HINDS and Nigel Paradine KITCHEN

Contributing factors

• Deteriorating weather conditions with heavy swell (2-4 metres predicted, higher occurring)
• Dangerous reef passage navigation in unsafe conditions
• Decision to attempt south passage despite warnings and adverse conditions
• Vessel swamped and capsized in catastrophic single event
• Safety equipment not activated (EPIRBs not deployed)
• No life jackets worn
• Rapid vessel disintegration preventing use as refuge
• Communication failure preventing early detection of emergency
• Hypothermia and exhaustion in cold water

Coroner's recommendations

1. All recreational activities on the water be undertaken with the wearing of personal floatation devices activated on contact with water
2. Where recreational activities are undertaken in conditions where EPIRBs are used, those EPIRBs include a water activated device which is located externally to the cabin and does not require manual activation
3. Those intending to fish recreationally off shore notify the local marine volunteer search and rescue group, or at the very least, friends and family of their intended route, and of changes directed by weather conditions where possible