Mystery surrounds arm bone discovery at Dolphin Sands beach on Tasmania’s picturesque east coast

Almost a quarter of a century after a human arm bone was discovered at a popular beachside holiday spot, its origin remains a mystery.

The right humerus was found at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s picturesque east coast on June 9, 2000, and handed to police.

Forensic and anthropological testing determined the bone belonged to a man aged 50 to 60 years and about 176cm tall.

However, no other information was able to be discerned at the time to help determine the person’s identity.

DNA found in the bone was compared to a Tasmanian database and a national program for unidentified and missing persons under an order by the coroner made last year.

The possibility the humerus was of Aboriginal ancestry was ruled out but no matches were made.

In findings published on Wednesday, coroner Simon Cooper said he did not think any further investigations could be reasonably undertaken to identify the bone.

“I extend my appreciation to the scientific, forensic and medical practitioners involved in the examinations of the humerus,” he said.

“As more DNA profiles are added to the database(s), it is my hope that one day the humerus will be identified.”

Dolphin Sands is about two hours drive northeast of Hobart and home to about 100 people.

In a separate discovery, police are working to identify remains found in bushland in July 2023 halfway between Clifton Beach and Goats Beach in Tasmania’s southeast.

It is thought the male remains, which haven’t matched any DNA records, were in the area for up to 50 years.