Coroner's Finding: Timson, Peter Anthony

65y · Male·Combined effects of hypothermia and drowning following swamping of dinghy in heavy seas

Peter Anthony Timson, a 65-year-old retired nurse, died from combined hypothermia and drowning after a small plastic dinghy capsized in heavy seas at Norfolk Bay, Tasmania. Mr Timson and his son borrowed a 2.2m plastic tender designed for 1-2 persons or children, which was unsuitable for their combined weight (exceeding maximum by ~24kg). The vessel was used in windy conditions (gusts to 67 km/h) despite a strong wind warning. The outboard motor's fuel breather was closed, causing fuel starvation and motor problems. Although Mr Timson was a capable, intelligent person with some boating experience, critical decision-making failures included selecting an inappropriate vessel for the conditions and occupants, and not checking equipment setup. His son was rescued after 6 hours; Mr Timson was found deceased the next day. No equipment or mechanical faults were identified, but operational errors and poor judgement contributed to the fatal outcome.