Inquest into the Suspected Death of Naing Aung YAN
Deceased
Naing Aung YAN
Demographics
28y, male
Date of death
2019-02-04
Finding date
2022-02-10
Cause of death
unascertained; manner of death: suicide
AI-generated summary
Naing Aung Yan, a 28-year-old Myanmar national working as an oiler on a Hong Kong-registered vessel anchored off Cape Preston, Western Australia, disappeared on 4 February 2019 and is presumed to have died by suicide. He failed to report for his midnight shift on 5 February, and a search of his cabin revealed a suicide note in Burmese addressed to his wife and son, expressing intention to end his life. Cigarettes and a lighter matching those in his cabin were found on deck near an open gate to the ocean. A comprehensive three-day marine search and rescue operation involving police, helicopters, divers, and port authority resources was unable to locate his body. Expert evidence indicated he may have died immediately from the 13-metre fall impact or within 14-19 hours from drowning and exposure. The coroner found death occurred by suicide, though the precise cause remains unascertained. The case highlights risks of mental health deterioration in maritime workers during prolonged sea deployments.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- isolation and prolonged time at sea
- working conditions for lower-ranking crew members
- mental health deterioration
- separation from family
- limited access to mental health support on vessel
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