Inquest into the Deaths of Douglas Ronald FLOCKTON and Ronald Leslie WHEILDON
Deceased
Douglas Ronald FLOCKTON and Ronald Leslie WHEILDON
Demographics
male
Date of death
1976-05-27
Finding date
2023-03-09
Cause of death
Unascertained cause - presumed drowning after being washed off reef into ocean
AI-generated summary
Two men, Douglas Flockton and Ronald Wheildon, disappeared on 27 May 1976 while hand fishing for crayfish on a reef at the Greenough River mouth near Geraldton, Western Australia. Both were experienced workers in reasonably good health. They were last seen at approximately 8:45 pm near their vehicle, with one man noting the reef was full of crayfish. They did not return to their hotel. Despite extensive searches involving police divers, beach patrols, and aerial reconnaissance over multiple days, no bodies or significant evidence were recovered. Senior Constable Binney concluded they were likely swept off the reef by violent surge conditions caused by rising tide, leading to drowning. Recent police review and proof-of-life checks with government agencies confirmed no subsequent contact. The coroner found both deaths occurred around 27 May 1976 by accidental drowning, providing formal closure for families after 47 years.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Rising tide at time of hand fishing (due to be full at 10:10 pm)
- Violent surge running across reef in those conditions
- Hazardous sea conditions - surge strong enough to knock a man off his feet
- Hand fishing on reef at night
- Consumption of alcohol prior to reef entry (both men observed drinking beer)
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