Inquest into the Suspected Death of Toshiyuki HATAKEYAMA
Deceased
Toshiyuki HATAKEYAMA
Demographics
20y, male
Date of death
1979-08-06
Finding date
2020-05-06
Cause of death
Drowning by immersion in the sea
AI-generated summary
Toshiyuki Hatakeyama, a 20-year-old Japanese pearl diver, fell overboard from the pearling lugger Kim during rough seas on 6 August 1979 approximately 12 kilometres west of Cape Latouche Treville. He was observed falling unexpectedly when the vessel rolled in very strong winds and spring tides. Despite immediate search efforts by crew and assistance from other vessels, he was never recovered. The coroner concluded he likely drowned within moments of immersion. This case highlights the occupational hazards faced by pearl divers in 1979, including challenging sea conditions, minimal safety equipment by modern standards, and the vulnerability of young, recently recruited workers in demanding maritime industries. The immediate response and search efforts were appropriate given the circumstances.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Rough sea conditions with strong south-easterly winds
- Very strong currents due to spring tides
- Unexpected fall overboard while vessel rolled with a large wave
- Poor visibility due to cloud cover and kerosene lamp lighting only
- Likely injury upon hitting water or immediate waterlogging
- Deep water depth at location of disappearance
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