U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ABSTRACT

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NCJ Number:
NCJ 201477
Title:
Human Remains Underwater
Journal:
Law Enforcement Technology Volume:30 Issue:7 Dated:July 2003 Pages:102-104, 106, to 108
Publisher Url*:
http://www.law-enforcement.com
Publication Date:
07/2003
Pages:
5
Type:
Issue overviews
Origin:
United States
Language:
English
Annotation:
This article discusses underwater investigations using an interview with Ret. Cpl. Robert Teather of Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police and his book, “The Encyclopedia of Underwater Investigations.”
Abstract:
The article begins by describing the first observations an underwater investigator should make when a body is located in the water. It is important to photograph and study the body before removing it from the water, when possible. Divers should initially observe the area and the body before touching the body or disturbing the area. **Next, the article describes the normal body positions of drowning victims; if victims are found in other types of positions, criminal activity should not be ruled out immediately. A discussion of the types of fluids found in and around the body is also offered. The common types of abrasions found on drowning victims are described as caused by current and wave actions that move the body along rocks and other debris. The article also describes the common eye discolorations found in victims who have died in the air and those who have died underwater. By examining the eyes directly after recovering a body from underwater, investigators may detect whether the victim died on land or by drowning. Finally, the article discusses the presence of diatoms, single-celled organisms, which are found in the bone marrow of drowning victims. The article includes a textbox written by Ret. Cpl. Robert Teather on public safety divers.
Main Term(s):
Underwater recovery ; Death investigations
Index Term(s):
Forensic sciences ; Investigative techniques

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* A link to the full-text document is provided whenever possible. For documents not available online, a link to the publisher's web site is provided. NCJRS=NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFERENCE SYSTEM. ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
** Normal body position for drowning victims is head down, buttocks up, arms in normal position alongside the body or slightly bent at the elbows with the hands covering the mouth. Edgar was found in rigor mortis with his arms stretched straight out in front of him and no signs of a drowning struggle. His body position indicates death on dry land. The eye test was not administered and the Sheriff's office was not aware of the eye test and according to the Sheriff, neither was the District Attorney.