Finding into death of Andrew Ewen Mallett

41y · Male·Undetermined, likely drowned

Andrew Mallett, a 41-year-old strong swimmer with fitness background, disappeared and is presumed drowned at Artillery Rock near Lorne on 28 November 2024. He entered the water to spearfish despite hazardous conditions including strong currents, large swells, submerged rocks, and extensive bull kelp forests presenting entanglement risks. Signage clearly warned of these hazards and absence of lifesaving services. While a bystander attempted rescue with a buoy, Andrew could not be located despite extensive search efforts. The coroner determined death resulted from misadventure: misjudgement of unsafe conditions. Clinical lessons include recognising that even experienced swimmers and divers face significant risks in extreme marine environments, and importance of heeding environmental hazard warnings regardless of personal swimming ability.