Trcka, Peter Joseph

54y · Male·Drowning after falling overboard from the Shanendale at Otter Reef

Peter Trcka, an experienced 54-year-old fisherman with an artificial leg and history of alcohol-related seizures, disappeared from a trawler anchored at Otter Reef on 1 March 2006. He was last seen at 4:30am appearing well, but was found missing at 5:30am with a bucket of freshly caught squid nearby. His prosthetic leg was later discovered on Russell Island, consistent with sea currents. The coroner found he likely fell overboard, possibly after incapacitation from a medical event (seizure, stroke, or cardiovascular event). Clinical lessons include: the importance of medical assessment and possible medication review for seizure history; consideration of pre-existing conditions during medical decisions at sea; and the critical value of personal flotation devices and emergency beacons for occupational maritime safety. The low deck railing (below knee height) provided inadequate protection against falls.