NQL Case File

Circumstances

Date of Disappearance

December 18, 1958

Notes

According to the coroner’s inquest, the victim drowned in the Derwent River near Kangaroo Bay, Bellerive around December 18, 1958. He lived with his father at 9 Dallas Avenue in Taroona and was still a student and unmarried at the time of his disappearance. He was interested in volunteering to join the Navy but his father disapproved and he was too young to join without parental approval. On December 18, Christopher was on board a ship heading towards the Bellerive Wharf. The boat was managed by another man (Ronald Johnson), but Christopher had arranged a party on board with several of his friends. They had been drinking and celebrating that night due to the end of their school term. The group included approximately eight young men including Christopher. They had already spent time drinking up at the Telegraph Hotel and once on the boat continued the party. They made their way to the wharf along the site of what is now the Wrest Point Casino where they continued drinking and then set off once more towards the eastern shores of the River making one more stop at Rosny Point. At last the group arrived at the Bellerive Wharf but they realized quickly that Christopher was no longer with them. The last sighting of him had been at around 10:45pm (22:45) it seems after leaving the Casino’s wharf. No sign of Christopher was uncovered. Although there was some suggestion that he may have used the opportunity to run away in order to join the Navy as he wished, this was never substantiated. Nor is there any proof that he had with him any significant amount of money, any belongings, or any sign of transportation away from the river. They were all significantly drunk before reaching their final destination and police have concluded that he likely fell overboard. His remains have yet to be recovered.

Location of the Disappearance or Crime Scene

Boat

Potential Circumstances

Body of Water, Night, Night Out, Out with Friends, Under the Influence, With Others

Vehicle

License Plate

Photo of Vehicle

Suspect

Suspect Description

Photo of Suspect