Inquest into the Death of Paul Gregory CLIFTON

49y · Male·Complications arising from immersion (drowning)

Paul Clifton, an experienced 49-year-old skipper, died from complications of immersion (drowning) after his recreational fishing boat sank unexpectedly in open water near Lancelin, Western Australia on 2 June 2013. The boat took on water rapidly for unknown reasons; when the engine was started to move the boat, water rushed to the stern causing it to upend and sink within minutes. Although lifejackets were available, they were unsuitable Type 2 jackets rather than required Type 1, and could not be properly secured in the rapid sinking. The EPIRB was lost when the boat went down. The deceased struggled in cold, choppy water, became exhausted and hypothermic, and lost consciousness before rescue. Key preventable factors included: inadequate lifejacket standards, lack of proper pre-voyage safety briefing, EPIRB not attached to a person, and failure to radio in before departure. The coroner recommended mandating lifejacket wearing in unprotected waters and highlighted the importance of proper safety equipment maintenance and education.