MELBOURNE - One of Australia's most enduring mysteries was laid to rest today as the Victorian coroner rules that former Prime Minister Harold Holt drowned.
State Coroner Graeme Johnstone found that Mr Holt drowned after he went swimming in the surf off Cheviot Beach on December 17, 1967.
Mr Johnstone said fanciful theories surrounding Mr Holt's disappearance ranged from him being taken off the beach by a Chinese submarine to committing suicide.
"It is sad that, over the years, all of these fanciful or unusual theories about Mr Holt's disappearance should receive public ventilation, overshadow his life and require an explanation," the coroner said.
"A simple reading of the original investigative material provides the real and credible explanation."
Mr Holt's death was one of 85 drownings investigated by the coroner, in which no body was ever recovered.
He said the majority of the drownings were illustrative of similar preventable deaths occurring to Victorians during work or recreational activities on the water.
- AAP
Former Australian PM drowned, coroner rules
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