Decades of Intrigue...
I've closely followed and researched the Somerton Man case for 15 years. In fact this blog was the first Australian blog to focus solely on the case. It;s an enigmatic story that has captivated researchers and amateur sleuths alike, evolving through several stages of investigation and speculation. Let's summarise the progression of this case.
Stage 1: The Discovery and Initial Investigation
On December 1, 1948, an unidentified man was found dead on Somerton Beach near Adelaide, Australia. The circumstances were immediately puzzling:
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No identification was found on the body
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Clothing labels had been removed
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A suitcase linked to the man contained items with their tags removed
the autopsy revealed that the man had most likely been poisoned but no trace of poison was found.
The cause of death remained undetermined, with speculation ranging from poisoning to natural causes. This stage set the foundation for decades of mystery.
Stage 2: The Rubaiyat Connection
The discovery of a torn piece of paper with the words "Tamám Shud" in the man's pocket led investigators to a rare edition of "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." This book contained:
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A code which at the time was indecipherable
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A phone number linked to a nurse named Jessica Thomson
A second Rubaiyat was uncovered, and it was given by Nurse Jestyn to Army Lieutenant Alf Boxall This book was later shown to contain concealments and codes.
This development added layers of intrigue, strongly suggesting possible espionage connections.
Stage 3: Cold War Spy Theories
As the Cold War intensified, theories about the Somerton Man being a spy gained traction:
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Proximity to sensitive military locations
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Sophisticated concealment methods were found including anamorphic writing and steganography.
Two ciphers have been found on the torn slip of paper, a Morbit Cipher and a Nihilist cipher. The Soviets were known to make use of the Nihilist Cipher.
Evidence has surfaced that proves the recruitment by Australian Military Intelligence of Civilian personnel who were employed to infiltrate specific organisations.
There is also evidence that Military Intelligence employed officers from other regiments for various Intelligence roles including training.
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Unidentifiable poisonings were a trademark of KGB assassinations.
These elements fueled public imagination and led to decades of speculation.
Stage 4: Modern Forensic Analysis
Advancements in technology brought new approaches to the case:
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High-resolution imaging revealed concealments, micro-writing, and ciphers which have been examined and substantiated. (This information will be revealed on the day that the inquest findings are released)
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DNA analysis became a possibility
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Experts like Professor Derek Abbott began applying modern techniques
The latter brought hope for a resolution but also introduced new complexities.
Stage 5: The Carl Webb Identification
In 2022, Professor Abbott announced a potential breakthrough:
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DNA analysis suggested the Somerton Man was Carl "Charles" Webb
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Webb's background as an electrical engineer seemed to fit some known facts
However, this identification remains doubtful and unconfirmed by official sources, leaving room for continued debate.
Stage 6: Ongoing Mystery and Skepticism
Despite recent developments, the case remains open with the results of an Inquest to be announced shortly.
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South Australian authorities have not officially confirmed the Webb identification
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Some experts, like Dr. Xanthe Mallet, express skepticism about ever conclusively solving the case
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There are significant concerns surrounding two related matters of evidence that cannot be revealed at this time.
The current inquest has the identification of the remains as its priority, the matter of how he died and what he was will not necessarily form part of the Inquest findings
As things stand in 2025, the Somerton Man case continues to evolve. While significant progress has been made, definitive answers remain elusive. The interplay of historical context, forensic advancements, and enduring mysteries ensures that this case will continue to fascinate and challenge us possibly for years to come.
As you will have deduced, I have certain information that I cannot release at this time due to the impending release of the findings of the Coroner in the current inquest.
I would recommend maintaining a balanced view. While recent developments are promising, the complex history of this case demands cautious interpretation of new evidence specifically the matter of the DNA said to have been extracted from the plaster bust.
The Somerton Man mystery serves as a compelling reminder of the challenges in unraveling long-standing historical enigmas.
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share