Inquest into the Suspected Death of Conrad thon MPANZA
Deceased
Conrad thon MPANZA
Demographics
24y, male
Date of death
1978-01-07
Finding date
2021-02-15
Cause of death
unascertained; most likely immersion after falling overboard, but preceding medical emergency, accidental injury, or self-harm could not be excluded
AI-generated summary
Conrad Thon Mpanza, a 24-year-old South African crew member, disappeared from the bulk carrier S.A. Skukuza on 7 January 1978 in the Indian Ocean off Western Australia's North West Cape. He was last seen at approximately midday and reported missing around 6.00 pm when he did not appear for dinner. The vessel was approximately 16 kilometres offshore when the man overboard was reported. Despite immediate search efforts by the crew until darkness fell, Mr Mpanza was not located. Expert evidence indicated a 20-30% survival rate for falls from bulk carriers, with maximum survival time of approximately 24 hours in ocean immersion. Given sea conditions, his apparent inability to swim, and lack of life jacket, the coroner was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that he died on 7 January 1978. The cause of death was determined to be unascertained, with the most likely explanation being immersion after falling overboard, though a preceding medical emergency, accidental injury, or self-harm could not be excluded. The manner of death was recorded as open.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- fall overboard from bulk carrier vessel
- sea conditions at time (south-westerly wind force 5, moderate to rough seas)
- apparent inability to swim
- presumed absence of life jacket
- significant time interval between disappearance and discovery (approximately 6 hours)
- remote location far from assistance
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