Routine DNA sampling needed to help identify ocean deaths: UCT study (opens original article in a new tab)

A UCT study found that 289 bodies recovered from water between 2017-2021 had low identification rates, with ocean cases being most challenging due to environmental factors. DNA sampling is recommended as a routine practice for better identification.

• 289 bodies found in water between 2017-2021, 1/3 arrived unnamed at mortuary
• Ocean cases had 87.2% identification rate vs 98.6% in urban water sources
• DNA sampling used in 28% of cases but only confirmed 1/3 identities