Inquest into the Death of Jeffery Thomas DOYLE

Contributing factors

• Ropes fouling propellers and propeller-shafts, disabling the vessel
• Deceased entered water to investigate and clear the obstruction
• Hazardous sea conditions with waves and swell causing boat to thrash
• Deceased was alone on the vessel with no assistance available
• Possible injury or medical issue sustained while attempting repairs underwater
• Failure to use available communication systems (marine radio, EPIRB, mobile phone) to call for assistance
• Deceased's tendency to self-repair ('Mr Fix-it' personality) may have encouraged risk-taking

Coroner's recommendations

1. Recreational boat users should use the Australian Coast Radio Monitors WA (ACRM) service to advise of intended destination and expected time of return to facilitate timely search and rescue if vessels do not return as expected
2. Boat users should not attempt hazardous repairs alone at sea; instead, they should use marine radio, mobile telephone, or activate an EPIRB to seek assistance
3. Yacht clubs should encourage their members to register with ACRM and understand that calling for marine rescue is preferable to risk-taking, even for experienced and competent skippers
4. Marine rescue services do not charge for towing vessels, making professional assistance a safer alternative to attempting dangerous self-repairs