Inquest into the Suspected Death of Barry Ray JESSEN
Deceased
Barry Ray JESSEN
Demographics
24y, male
Date of death
2006-08-17
Finding date
2020-06-02
Cause of death
drowning by misadventure following accidental fall overboard from fishing vessel Cape Palmerston
AI-generated summary
Barry Ray Jessen, a 24-year-old deckhand, disappeared from the fishing vessel Cape Palmerston on 17 August 2006 whilst working between Carnarvon and Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia. After falling unexpectedly into the sea, he drowned. Expert evidence demonstrates that sudden immersion in water causes multiple physiological responses—respiratory (increased breathing drive, gasp reflex, reduced breath-holding), cardiovascular (sudden heart rate and blood pressure changes, arrhythmia risk), and psychological (panic). These responses, combined with his lack of sea experience, the vessel's motion, water temperature of 22°C, and lack of flotation devices, made survival unlikely. The coroner found he died from drowning by misadventure. Key clinical lessons: young, inexperienced maritime workers are vulnerable to accidental immersion; immediate physiological responses to cold-water immersion can prove rapidly fatal; and preventative measures such as properly-fitted lifejackets and railings in high-risk deck areas are essential safety considerations.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Error types
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- lack of sea experience and inexperience with vessel motion
- unfamiliarity with safety procedures for relieving oneself overboard
- water temperature of 22°C causing respiratory distress
- absence of flotation device or lifejacket
- lack of railings in certain deck areas
- absence of shock, stunning, or unconsciousness from impact making water aspiration likely
- rapid physiological responses to immersion including gasp reflex and panic
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