🎀 CASE FILE - THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BOB CHAPPELL EVIDENCE ROOM EDITION
Case Type:Â Suspicious Disappearance
Location:Â Hobart, Tasmania
Date of Incident:Â 26 January 2009
Evidence Item 01 — The Yacht Four Winds
The yacht Four Winds became the central focus of the investigation into the disappearance of Bob Chappell.
Bob Chappell, a 65-year-old medical physicist, had been aboard the yacht the previous evening. In the early hours of 26 January 2009, the vessel was found taking on water and Bob was missing.
Susan Neill-Fraser later became involved in the response after being contacted about the situation. The condition of the vessel became a major focus of the investigation, with police examining whether the damage was accidental or deliberate.
Evidence Item 02 — Blood Evidence
Blood evidence located within the yacht became an important part of the trial. The prosecution argued it was consistent with a violent confrontation. The defence challenged the interpretation of the evidence and argued alternative explanations remained possible.
Evidence Item 03 — The Knife
A knife found aboard the yacht was presented as evidence during the trial. The prosecution argued it may have been connected to events on the vessel. The defence questioned whether it could conclusively establish what happened.
Evidence Item 04 — Damage to the Yacht
Investigators examined damage to the yacht's plumbing system. The prosecution argued the damage was deliberate and contributed to Four Winds taking on water. The defence disputed aspects of that interpretation
Evidence Item 05 — The Search Area
Despite extensive searches, Bob Chappell has never been found. The exact circumstances of his disappearance remain disputed.
Evidence Item 06 — The Trial Evidence
The jury heard the prosecution case and defence arguments. Susan Neill-Fraser was convicted following the trial.
This Evidence Room is a factual reference guide to the evidence presented and the issues debated throughout the case
