A 53-year-old Perth woman who died while crabbing in Mandurah on Friday night was familiar with the area.
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The woman’s body was found in the water about 9am on Saturday morning, approximately two kilometres north of Herron Point after an extensive overnight search overnight involving water police, air-wing and officers.
The woman was crabbing with her husband before police were notified she was missing about 10.15pm.
Her son told police she was familiar with the spot having been there ten times, in the past ten years.
Police were not sure how far out she was when she died.
The woman’s husband was admitted to Peel Health Campus on Saturday morning to be treated for shock.
At this point in time it looks as though it’s just mother nature being unpredictable.
- Mandurah Police Senior Constable Marty Hayter
Mandurah Police Senior Constable Marty Hayter told media that the family was “distraught” during a press conference from Mandurah Water Police Headquarters on Saturday afternoon.
He said the conditions were “blustery and cold” when he was at the estuary at 7am this morning and it would have been similar on Friday night.
“The water can have unpredictable tides,” he said.
“At this point in time it looks as though it’s just mother nature being unpredictable.
“She is familiar probably with the area, but like I say, the tides can change.
“Also in darkness, the person can become disorientated.
“People that do go out there can’t be seen by each other, so as a consequence, people can get lost.”
Senior Constable Hayter said the community should ensure they can be seen and carry torches when they are crabbing.
A coroner will conduct an investigation into the incident.
