Newcastle Boat Accident: New DNA Evidence Offers Hope After 40 Years

In a remarkable turn of events, NSW Police have made strides in the investigation of a 1983 boat accident off the coast of Newcastle that led to the disappearance of two Vietnamese nationals. The incident, which occurred on April 10, 1983, involved the vessel ‘Wyuna’ capsizing while the two men, aged 37 and 27, were fishing off the Swansea Coast. Despite extensive air and sea searches at the time, the men were never found, leaving their families in anguish and the case unresolved​​.

The renewed investigation began when a 48-year-old woman, believed to be the daughter of one of the missing men, submitted her DNA to the National DNA Program in 2023. This initiative, part of the NSW Police’s efforts during Missing Persons Week 2024, has aimed to connect long-lost family members and bring closure to unresolved cases​.

Detectives from the Missing Persons Registry have identified another potential relative of the second man, who also provided a DNA sample. This case highlights the crucial role of familial DNA in solving long-standing mysteries. Detective Inspector Ritchie Sim emphasised the importance of these efforts, stating, “All missing people deserve to be found and returned to their family. For us, it doesn’t matter if a person went missing over 40 years ago or last week; they are still a person and deserve to be returned to their family”​​.

This investigation is not only a significant step for the families involved but also a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Vietnamese refugees who arrived in Australia by boat during the late 20th century. The tragic history of these “boat people,” who risked their lives fleeing post-war Vietnam, adds another layer to this enduring mystery​.

As police continue their inquiries, they urge anyone with information that could aid the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers. Missing Persons Week 2024 continues to raise awareness of the enduring issue of missing persons in Australia, aiming to provide answers and closure to affected families.

For more information on Missing Persons Week and how to contribute to ongoing investigations, visit MissingPersons.gov.au or contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000