Ehren Hyde: Albert Park Yacht Club member drowned in Port Phillip Bay

A Prahran man met a tragic end after setting sail on his beloved dinghy in Port Phillip Bay, a court has heard.

The Coroner has made a finding into the death of young Prahran sailor Ehren Hyde, 24. Picture: Albert Park Yacht Club

A young Prahran man drowned after setting sail on Port Phillip Bay, a coroner has found.

In findings handed down last month Coroner Leveasque Peterson said avid sailor Ehren Hyde, 24, drowned after setting out on his Laser dinghy from the Albert Park Yacht Club in June 2019.

The Coroner’s Court heard the “very competent” sailor, who explored the bay and Albert Park lake most weekends, likely became detached from his dinghy sometime after 11am on June 2 before his body was found floating at Williamstown’s Jawbone Marine Sanctuary two days later.

Albert Park Yacht Club commodore Hedley Hagget said weather conditions on June 2 were within Mr Hyde’s abilities but noted it was cold and the weather had “changed”.

Mr Hyde— who was described as a competent, safety conscious sailor who would always wear a wetsuit, helmet and personal floatation device— was wearing a life jacket and helmet at the time of his death but was without an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB), the Coroner’s Court heard.

The devices —which can be activated to alert search and rescue services— are not mandated for use on enclosed waters such as Port Phillip Bay however it is recommended that a PLB be worn by all boaters who are alone.

“They are a vital search and rescue tool which can make the difference between a successful outcome and failure,” Ms Peterson said.

Ms Peterson recommended State Government departments explore the possibility of changing laws to require EPIRBs or PLBs to be carried by recreational vessel operators “in high risk situations, including when operating alone” and regardless of the classification of waterway or distance offshore.

Ms Peterson also recommended Transport Safety Victoria engage with the state’s sailing and yacht clubs to promote the ‘Prepare to Survive: Know the Five’ campaign.

“ … it encourages people heading out on to the water to prepare by following five fundamental steps; know the weather, practise getting back on; carry a distress beacon, lock in a buddy plan and wear a lifejacket,” she said.

In an online statement former Albert Park Yacht Club commodore Jon Pulham said Mr Hyde, who worked as a technology consultant, was an “adventurous spirit” who enjoyed spending hours on the water with his beloved Laser.

It came after Mr Hyde was farewelled in an emotional ceremony attended by more than 100 friends and family members at the yacht club.

“There is not a person at this club who doesn’t have happy memories of their own (with Mr Hyde),” Mr Pulham said in July 2019.

“It is often said, some people live more in two years that others live in 20 years … Ehren, you were certainly one of the former and it was a pleasure to spend some of that time with you.”