Tasmania skull identified as man missing since 1999

A human skull discovered near Clifton Beach in Tasmania in 2023 has been identified as Edward Harold Tait, a man who had been missing since 1999. The identification was confirmed through a DNA match with his biological sister, Helen Tait, following genealogical investigations.

Mr. Tait, a Scottish immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1988, was last seen in the Hobart area on November 30, 1999. At the time, he was 28 years old. According to a report by coroner Madeleine Wilson, Mr. Tait had been estranged from his family and had not been officially reported missing.

Prior to his disappearance, Mr. Tait had informed his sister that he had been assaulted by individuals to whom he owed money related to drug smuggling. Records indicate he had resided in various hotels and men's shelters in the Greater Hobart area during late 1999.