James Tomoto

James Tomoto, a Japanese National, had been in Australia for about 15 years prior to his death. He had just moved with his family to Bunbury, where his wife operated a fruit shop in Wellington Street selling “Watermelon and other luxuries”.

He was described as a hard-working, thrifty, cheerful little “Jap”, a quiet, harmless fellow and an expert fisherman.

He owned his own boat, which he had built by his own “personal exertions” about a year prior. The most recent fishing trip was only the third time it had been out since undergoing heavy repairs. He would usually fish with his wife and their little girl.

For various unknown reasons, Tomoto took along another fisherman to help him on this last fateful trip, a man described by the local papers as either Italian or South American, Joseph Goss.

James Tomoto and Joseph Goss left on a fishing trip on the afternoon of Sunday 7 July 1901.

They were fishing 20 miles from Bunbury, opposite the Lake Preston Sand Patch at around 8:30am on Tuesday 9 July 1901, when Goss reported Tomoto said “There are rocks here, lower the sail”.

While Goss was attempting to lower the main sail, the wind filled the sail and the boom swung from starboard to port, striking Tomoto (who was standing up looking over the side for a likely fishing spot) on the back and knocking him into the water. After struggling for a few minutes he sank.

Goss attempted to throw Tomoto a line, but failed to retrieve him. Tomoto was a splendid swimmer so he must have been heavily struck, as Goss stated that he did not rise to the surface after being knocked overboard.

Goss hailed the fishing schooner, Viking, which was about 500 yards away, and requested assistance, which was granted. W. Allison and J. Sloan from the Viking took the boat home for Goss.

Tomoto left behind a widow and a daughter.