Case number 23-003614
Just after 2pm on the 30th of April 2023, the naked body of a white European male washed up on the shore of a British island known as Roa Island which is located close to Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. Although news reports suggest this male was aged between 50 and 60 years old, around 182 cm (5’11) tall, and the UKMPU estimate the unidentified males age between 50 and 70 years old. It is believed the unknown male had thinning grey hair and was also clean shaven (may have recently shaved) with no tattoos, scars or distinguishing marks although he had abrasions to his chest and back, these were said to be post mortem injuries sustained by contact with the seabed. It is believed the unknown male had not been in the water long as his body had not “swollen”.
The inquest heard how there was no evidence to prove the unidentified male took his own life and there were no suspicious circumstances found to believe otherwise and so the coroner left the case open with Cumbria police and a open verdict was recorded.
The assistant coroner Robert Cohen said: “In essence, it is a sad situation that somebody has died, and despite the exhaustive attempts by Cumbria Constabulary, it has nor been possible to identify who they are.
“All we really know is that they were a white male between 50 and 60.
“They didn’t have any significant marks, their DNA is not on police systems, nor on the systems of a very large number of countries.
“Significantly, public enquiries have not revealed who they were, and that is very sad, and it is a matter of some sorrow that it has not been possible to identify who this man was.”
DNA samples, fingerprints and dental impressions were obtained from the unidentified males body and an exstensive search has taken place including checking international missing persons databases.
Detective Inspector Laura Nield said: “Whilst the amount of information we have about the unidentified man is limited, the image we have secured for release to the public is excellent quality and may hopefully lead to someone getting in touch with information which can assist.
“I would urge anyone who does suspect they have any information – no matter how small – to get in touch today.”
People can get in touch at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 117 of 30 April 2023. You can also phone on 101.
Pre-mortem Injuries: none
Post-mortem Injuries: Abrasions to chest and back
Details from the Missing Persons Unit (UKMPU)
Details from Blank Faces Research
Case number:23-003614
Type: Body
Gender: Male
Age range: 50 – 70
Ethnicity: White European
Height: 182 cm (5’11)
Build: No Information available
Date found: 30th April 2023
Circumstances: Male body spotted face down in the sand on Roa Island, near Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria on April 30 2023.
Cause of Death: Drowning
Possessions: Found Naked
Town: Barrow-In-Furness
Locality: Roa Island
County: Unknown, England
Police force: Cumbria constabulary
Hair type: Thinning
Hair colour: Grey
Facial Hair: Clean Shaven
Eye colour (left): Unknown
Eye colour (right): No Information available
Case information: No Information available
Distinguishing features: No Information available
Clothing: Found naked
Jewellery: No Information available
Body Parts: No Information available
Bone Details: No Metal fitments found, no serial numbers found.
DNA: Yes
Dentals: Yes
Fingerprints: Yes
Toxicology: No findings
Maps:
Credits:
The Westmoreland Gazette: “Inquest: Man washed up at Roa Island, Barrow, still unidentified“
News & Star The Cumberland News “Inquest: Man washed up at Roa Island, Barrow, still unidentified“
Unidentified Wiki “Roa Island John Doe“
Lancaster Guardian: “National appeal after body of mystery man found in Morecambe Bay”
NW Mail “Search goes on to identify body of man found at Roa Island“
Planet Unidentified 
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