Coroner's Court of Western Australia

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Werner SCHOENHOFER

Inquest into the Suspected Death of Werner SCHOENHOFER

Delivered on : 3 September 2024

Delivered at : Perth

Finding of : Deputy State Coroner Linton

Recommendations :N/A

Orders/Rules : N/A

Suppression Order : N/A

Summary : Werner Schoenhofer was last seen alive on the afternoon of 20 January 1997 when he was windsurfing with a friend in the ocean off Point Moore, Geraldton, Western Australia.

Mr Schoenhofer was a German national who normally lived with his wife and son in Munich. He had travelled with some friends to Australia for a five week holiday. They had made their way to Geraldton to go windsurfing. Mr Schoenhofer was a keen and experienced windsurfer and he had travelled the world pursuing his passion.

On 20 January 1997, Mr Schoenhofer and one of his friends went windsurfing together at Point Moore in Geraldton. Local media reports indicate the conditions on the day were dangerous, with strong winds and rough seas. They were also ideal windsurfing conditions, so many locals and tourists had taken advantage of the conditions and were out windsurfing that afternoon, including Mr Schoenohfer.

Mr Schoenhofer and his friend became separated while out on the water. Mr Schoenhofer’s friend returned to shore at around 5.30 pm. He waited for Mr Schoenhofer to join him. When he had not returned by sunset, at around 6.00 pm, Mr Schoenhofer’s friend contacted the local police and reported Mr Schoenhofer missing.

A search immediately commenced by air and sea. No sign of him was found that night. The search continued the following morning and at around 6.30 am, Mr Schoenhofer’s battered sailboard was found near Coronation Beach, approximately nine nautical miles north of Geraldton. At about 10.45  am, Mr Schoenhofer’s wetsuit and windsurfing harness were also located in a similar location to the board. The wetsuit and harness were in a shredded condition, and later examination confirmed the damage was caused by a shark; most probably a large tiger shark. It was assumed from that time that Mr Schoenhofer was deceased. No further sign of him was found.

Local newspaper articles reported that witnesses in the area had seen Mr Schoenhofer struggling in the water and possibly knocked from his board prior to his disappearance. A local veteran windsurfer also examined the board and expressed the opinion that given the damage to the board, and the strong wind conditions, it was more likely Mr Schoenhofer hit his head on the sail and fell unconscious into the water, before being taken by a shark, rather than being knocked from his board by a shark.

A recent police review of this matter, including contact with Mr Schoenhofer’s family and friends in Germany, confirmed that there has been no contact with him since the day of his disappearance and they accept he died on that day. General ‘proof of life’ checks within Australia also found no record of Mr Schoenhofer since 20 January 1997.

The Deputy State Coroner was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Schoenhofer is deceased and that he died on or about 20 January 1997. The cause of death is unascertained and open finding was made as to the the manner of death.

Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : Geraldton : Tiger Shark : Windsurfing : Open Finding.


Last updated: 11-Sep-2024

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