Inquest into the Suspected Death of Andrew Inez RODRIGUES
Deceased
Andrew Inez RODRIGUES
Demographics
55y, male
Date of death
1993-12-18
Finding date
2020-03-04
Cause of death
Drowning - lost at sea
AI-generated summary
Andrew Inez Rodrigues, a 55-year-old Indian waiter employed on the bulk carrier MV Chennai Nermai, disappeared at sea on 18 December 1993 while the vessel travelled from Fremantle towards Cape Naturaliste Reef, Western Australia. He was last seen around 10:30 pm on 17 December in the ship's mess. The following morning he failed to report for duty. An extensive search involving two aircraft covering 78 square nautical miles yielded no trace. The coroner found that death had been established beyond reasonable doubt, most likely by drowning following accidental fall overboard, though suicide could not be excluded. No evidence suggested voluntary disappearance or self-harm intent. This case demonstrates the challenges of investigating deaths at sea where minimal evidence exists and highlights the importance of comprehensive maritime rescue protocols and thorough witness interviews.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Absence of life jacket or safety equipment
- Large moving bulk carrier vessel
- Night-time disappearance
- Limited visibility conditions
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