A Geelong man tragically lost his life during what should have been a routine crab fishing excursion at Anglesea, with a coroner ruling he likely drowned in the river's treacherous waters.
The Victorian Coroners Court has confirmed that Chieu Kheang Chua, 54, from Geelong, died on December 4, 2022, after entering the Anglesea River to retrieve fishing equipment that had become caught.
The Fatal Incident Unfolds
Mr Chua had been crab fishing with his wife and friends near the Anglesea River boat ramp when the tragedy occurred. According to the coroner's findings, his crab net became snagged on something beneath the water's surface around 9:30 pm.
Despite the darkness and unknown water conditions, Mr Chua decided to enter the river to free his equipment. Witnesses reported seeing him struggle almost immediately after entering the water before disappearing beneath the surface.
Emergency services were called to the scene, with Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, and the State Emergency Service all responding to the desperate search effort. The water depth at the location was measured at approximately 2.5 metres.
Recovery Operation and Investigation
The search for Mr Chua continued through the night, with his body eventually being recovered by police divers at 6:45 am the following morning, December 5, 2022.
Coroner Audrey Jamieson noted in her findings that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Chua's death. A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the likely cause of death.
The investigation revealed that Mr Chua was not wearing a life jacket when he entered the water. The coroner emphasized that the incident highlights the dangers of entering waterways after dark, particularly when the conditions are unknown.
Family's Heartbreaking Loss
Mr Chua's family described him as a loving husband and father who enjoyed fishing as a recreational activity. They expressed their devastation at losing him in such sudden circumstances.
In a statement provided to the coroner, family members said the incident had left them heartbroken and struggling to comprehend their loss. They emphasized that Mr Chua was an experienced fisherman who had visited the Anglesea location numerous times before.
The coroner extended her condolences to Mr Chua's family and friends, acknowledging the traumatic nature of his death and the ongoing impact on his loved ones.
This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of water safety risks, particularly during nighttime activities near rivers and coastal areas. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment and avoiding entering unfamiliar waters after dark.
