Coroner Simon Cooper says death of Andrew John Donohue could have been avoided if he wore life jacket

What was meant to be a fun camping trip turned to tragedy after the body of a man was found on New Year’s Day in 2023 on a remote island just off Tasmania. Now, a coroner has detailed causes and the events leading up to his death.

Robbins Island, in Tasmania's far northwest. Picture: Bob Brown Foundation

A coroner says that a man who drowned while kayaking near Robbins Island in the state’s North-West would have survived if he was wearing a life jacket.

Andrew John Donohue died on December 30, 2022, and his body was found two days later.

In his findings, Coroner Simon Cooper said there was evidence that Mr Donohue, who was 49 years old at the time of the drowning, had “commenced using drugs such as methylamphetamine in 2011”.

Following his death, toxicological analysis of samples taken at an autopsy found that Mr Donohue had 0.27mg/L of methylamphetamine in his body.

On the day of his death, Mr Donohue and a few friends arrived at Perkins Island – between Smithton and Robbins Island in the Bass Strait – for a prearranged camping trip.

Around 7.30pm, he went kayaking.

Andrew John Donohue.

The kayak was pedal-operated and featured an electric outboard engine and a “fish finder” device.

Mr Donohue left his life jacket and mobile phone behind, and the kayak did not feature a distress beacon.

At approximately 8pm, Mr Cooper said his camping companions became concerned and started looking around Perkins Island for him.

After searching for around two hours to no avail, they called emergency services and a search operation was launched.

“The following morning, at about 9:30am, Mr Donohue’s kayak was located on nearby Montagu Island,” Mr Cooper said.

“The kayak had waders attached to it and the propeller of the electric motor was tangled in fishing line with a fishing rod and reel still attached and dragging behind.

“There was however no sign of Mr Donohue.”

On New Year’s Day at about 10.30am, his body was found on the southwest corner of Robbins Island.

Mr Cooper said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Donohue.

“I have little doubt that had Mr Donohue been wearing a PFD then he would not have died. “Similarly, the presence of methylamphetamine in his system cannot have enhanced his prospects of survival once he entered the water.

“An EPIRB – either personal or fitted to the kayak – would have significantly increased his chances of survival.

“I am satisfied that the response of emergency services was timely and professional.

“I consider that it is likely that Mr Donohue died within a relatively short time of having entered the water on 30 December 2022.”

During investigations, the kayak was also examined and found to be in good condition.

Mr Cooper made no comments or recommendations regarding the death and extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Donohue.