Inquest into the Death of Matthew James BALE

38y · Male·Unascertained; death in the waters of the Indian Ocean off Rottnest Island

Matthew James Bale, a 38-year-old man, disappeared from Rottnest Island on 21 March 2016 while on holiday with his wife and parents. He had a history of depression, alcohol and drug addiction, and recent drug-induced psychosis for which he was prescribed lurasidone. After an argument with his wife about hidden alcohol, he left the accommodation intoxicated, met two women, purchased wine, and indicated he would swim back to Perth. He was last seen heading toward another bay and did not return. Extensive searches found no trace. The coroner found death established beyond reasonable doubt from entering the Indian Ocean, likely by misadventure rather than suicide. Clinical lessons include recognising the vulnerability of individuals with concurrent substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and acute intoxication, and the importance of risk assessment and safety planning in such cases.