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Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Government of Western Australia State Coat of Arms
Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest Findings

Home →Inquest Findings→Inquest Findings 2026→Lam, Thong Minh Bruce

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Thong Minh Bruce LAM

Delivered on: 14 July 2026

Delivered at: Perth

Finding of: Coroner Tyler

Recommendations: N/A

Orders/Rules: N/A

Suppression Order: N/A

Summary:

Thong Minh Bruce Lam (Bruce) was a 19 year old man at the time of his death on 22 April 2025 in the waters of the Indian Ocean off Lucky Bay, near Kalbarri, Western Australia.

He was last seen alive in the waters of Lucky Bay on 22 April 2025, after he fell from his body board while being swept out to sea.

A comprehensive land, sea and aerial search was commenced for Bruce between 22 and 24 April 2025, but sadly, his body has never been found.

At the conclusion of the inquest, the Coroner was satisfied that the search efforts for Bruce were of a very high standard. The Coroner was satisfied, beyond all reasonable doubt, that Bruce is deceased, and died on 22 April 2025 from immersion (drowning) in the waters of the Indian Ocean off Lucky Bay.

The Coroner found that the death occurred by way of accident.

The Coroner considered the issue of water safety signage at Lucky Bay, noting that the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has consulted with relevant stakeholders for the Lucky Bay area, and will now install water safety signage at the Lucky Bay campground.

Catch Words: Long Term Missing Person : Body Boarding : Beach Signage : Land, Air and Sea Search : Accident.


Last updated: 23 July 2026

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