On December 1, 1948, the body of an unidentified man was found lying on Somerton Beach near Adelaide, Australia. He wore a suit and tie, carried no identification, and showed no obvious signs of cause of death, launching decades of speculation and investigation.

The Somerton Man, whose true name was unknown for years, became one of Australia’s most mysterious cold cases until DNA analysis identified him as Carl or Charles Webb, an engineer from Melbourne. The unusual circumstances surrounding his death, his unexplained belongings, and a hidden code found in his pocket fueled countless theories and public intrigue.

This case stands out not only for its perplexing forensic evidence but also for its enduring questions about identity and secrecy. The story of the Somerton Man continues to fascinate those interested in unresolved mysteries and forensic breakthroughs.

Discovery of the Somerton Man

In December 1948, an unidentified man’s body was found on Somerton Beach, launching one of Australia’s most famous unsolved cases. The incident drew widespread attention due to its unusual circumstances, cryptic clues, and ongoing mysteries surrounding the man’s identity and belongings.

Somerton Beach and Adelaide

The body was discovered on the morning of December 1, 1948, near Somerton Park Beach, a suburb located southwest of Adelaide, South Australia. Local residents noticed the man lying on the sand in a position that initially did not raise alarm.

The location was a popular public beach, and the deceased appeared well-dressed, wearing a suit and polished shoes. There were no obvious injuries, disturbance, or signs of a violent struggle nearby.

Adelaide police received the first report after a passerby realized the man was unresponsive. The area quickly became the focus of local authorities as the unusual nature of the scene became clear.

Initial Police Investigation

South Australia Police responded promptly, documenting the scene and the condition of the body. The Somerton Man was approximately mid-40s, clean-shaven, and physically fit, but he carried no identification.

Police found no wallet, money, or documents that could give clues to his name or background. The clothing labels had been deliberately removed from all garments, a detail that added to the mystery.

Medical examination determined that the cause of death was inconclusive. No visible trauma or natural cause could be established, and toxicology tests failed to show any poisons with certainty at the time.

The Suitcase and Personal Effects

A suitcase belonging to the Somerton Man was found weeks later at the Adelaide Railway Station. It was checked in the day before his body was found. The contents included basic personal items such as pajamas, slippers, shaving gear, and underclothes.

Several items in the suitcase had the labels removed, consistent with the clothing on his body. Notable effects included a stenciling brush and a pair of scissors, suggesting he may have worked as an electrical engineer or in a similar trade.

No items in the suitcase led to a clear identification. The discovery raised further questions about his movements and intentions in Adelaide, deepening the puzzle for authorities and the public.

Timeline of Events

The Somerton Man case began in 1948 with the discovery of an unidentified body on Somerton Beach in Adelaide, South Australia. The case is marked by a series of unusual findings and debates over the man’s identity, generating decades of investigation and speculation.

Key Dates and Developments

1 December 1948: A man's body is found on Somerton Beach, well-dressed but with no identification.
2 December 1948: Police begin the investigation and conduct an autopsy. No obvious cause of death is found.

A small scrap of paper with the words “Tamám Shud” is discovered hidden in a fob pocket. This phrase, Persian for “it is finished,” leads detectives to a copy of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam in a nearby car. The book's back page contains a code and a phone number connected to an Adelaide nurse.

In June 1949, a plaster bust of the Somerton Man’s head is made to preserve his features. Over subsequent decades, police and amateur investigators search for answers about his identity. Attempts to match the man to missing persons fail.

The body is exhumed in 2021 for DNA testing. In 2022, researchers propose that the Somerton Man may have been Carl Webb, an electrical engineer from Melbourne.

Major Theories Over Time

One of the earliest theories suggested the Somerton Man was a foreign spy, due to the Cold War climate and the cryptic circumstances. Others speculated suicide, possibly due to personal or romantic troubles linked to the nurse mentioned in the investigation.

Medical experts pointed to poisoning as the likely cause of death, though no traces were found in the body. The torn book, the code, and lack of any clear identification fueled speculation about espionage and intelligence work.

Further theories argued he may have been an ordinary individual who met with foul play unrelated to espionage. The possibility of accidental death or an undiagnosed medical condition was explored but never confirmed.

In recent years, DNA analysis revived the case and supported the identification as Carl Webb. Despite these developments, some experts question whether the identification is definitive, and the case is still regarded as one of Australia’s most enduring and unparalleled mysteries.

The Mystery and Public Fascination

The discovery of the Somerton Man in 1948 quickly captured widespread attention. The case remains notable due to its mysterious circumstances and the enduring speculation about the man’s identity and purpose.

Media Coverage and Public Interest

News of the unidentified body found on Somerton Beach spread rapidly across Australia. Newspapers published frequent updates, speculating on possible causes of death and motives, while the unusual clues—such as a cryptic note with the phrase “Tamám Shud”—fuelled intense curiosity.

Over the decades, documentaries, books, and online forums explored every detail, turning the Somerton Man into a subject of ongoing public debate. The mystery’s combination of forensic puzzles, anonymous death, and unexplained artifacts made it one of the country’s most discussed unsolved cases.

Interest surged again when new scientific methods, including DNA testing, were applied in recent years. This added a modern dimension to the case and re-engaged audiences with the hope of reaching a definitive answer.

Links to the Cold War Era

The timing of the Somerton Man case—immediately after World War II—led many to wonder about links to international espionage. During the early Cold War, fears of Soviet spies were high, and the man’s lack of identification added to suspicions.

Some features of the case, such as the coded note and the man’s apparent efforts to conceal his identity, seemed to echo classic spy tactics. Theories emerged that he might have been a Cold War spy, sent on a secret mission, or involved in intelligence operations.

Despite the speculation, no evidence has officially tied the Somerton Man to espionage activities. The association with Cold War intrigue, however, has continued to be a major factor in the public’s fascination, strengthening the case’s status as an unparalleled mystery in Australian history.

Forensic Evidence and Personal Items

The investigation into the Somerton Man relied heavily on physical evidence found at the scene and on his person. Certain artifacts, clothing, and cryptic messages provided crucial leads in a case defined by mystery.

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Police discovered a copy of The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam in an abandoned car near Somerton Beach, believed to be linked to the deceased. This volume of Persian poems, translated by Edward FitzGerald, contained a unique clue: a small piece of rolled-up paper hidden in a fob pocket that read “Tamám Shud,” meaning “ended” or “finished.”

Handwriting in the book matched none of the Somerton Man’s known samples, and the book itself sparked theories regarding espionage or hidden communications. The literary work’s themes of mortality and fate fueled speculation about whether the choice of this book was deliberate or symbolic. The copy’s connection to the case remains one of its most intriguing aspects.

Clothing Labels and the Coded Message

All labels were removed from the Somerton Man’s clothing, a fact that complicated identification efforts. The only visible mark was “T. Keane” on a tie found in his suitcase at Adelaide Railway Station, but no missing person report matched that name. Items of clothing included a brown suitcase, a thread type unavailable in Australia, and a neatly pressed, yet oddly assembled wardrobe.

Inside the Rubaiyat, authorities found a handwritten code:

WRGOABABD
MLIAOI
WTBIMPANETP
MLIABOAIAQC
ITTMTSAMSTGAB
The inscription’s meaning has never been conclusively deciphered. Some speculated it was a cipher used in intelligence operations, while others believed it to be a personal mnemonic or acronym. Despite many attempts, the true significance of the message remains unknown.

Tamám Shud Slip

A tightly rolled scrap of paper, bearing the words “Tamám Shud” in neat print, was found concealed in a hidden pocket of the Somerton Man’s trousers. The slip’s appearance directly matched the torn final page of the discovered Rubaiyat copy, reinforcing the connection between the man and the book.

Forensic testing found no traces of poison or chemicals on the slip, nor were fingerprints distinguishable. The phrase itself, meaning “ended” in Persian, is the conclusion of the book’s poems and was seen as a possible indicator of suicide, though autopsy results were inconclusive. The existence of the slip narrowed investigative focus, but the message’s intention has never been fully understood.

Investigative Breakthroughs

Key developments in forensic science and genetic testing reshaped the investigation into the Somerton Man. Scientists moved from limited 1940s technology to advanced DNA analysis, which eventually led to a breakthrough in identification.

Advancements in Forensic Science

For decades, investigators relied on traditional forensic methods, including fingerprinting and dental record comparisons, but these yielded no positive identification. The state of the Somerton Man’s body complicated matters, as there were no labels on his clothes and no obvious signs of trauma or cause of death.

The introduction of new forensic technologies, such as isotope analysis and digital facial reconstruction, allowed scientists to better understand the victim's lifestyle and origins. For example, analysis of hair samples provided clues about geography and diet. The use of computer-aided analysis applied to the man’s features enabled cross-referencing with missing person databases, but the case still remained unresolved for many years.

Exhumation and DNA Analysis

A major turning point came with the decision to exhume the Somerton Man’s body in 2021. This allowed forensic teams to collect bone and hair samples for modern DNA testing methods. Forensic genealogists employed techniques such as whole-genome sequencing and genetic matching with online family tree databases.

DNA extracted from the remains helped narrow the search for relatives. By comparing genetic markers, researchers identified distant family members and eventually linked the unidentified man to Carl “Charles” Webb, an electrical engineer from Melbourne. The findings, confirmed by independent experts, resolved questions that had persisted for more than seventy years. This approach highlighted the critical role of exhumation and genetic analysis in solving unidentified body cases.

Identification of Carl Webb

A crucial breakthrough in the Somerton Man case emerged after decades of anonymity. Modern DNA technology, detailed genealogical research, and historical records led to the identification of the body as Carl "Charles" Webb, connecting a mysterious figure to both family and a professional career.

The DNA Revelation

In 2022, researchers performed a comprehensive DNA analysis on hairs recovered from the plaster bust of the Somerton Man. Advanced techniques enabled them to extract a usable genetic profile despite the age of the material.

A family tree was meticulously constructed, tracking thousands of possible names and relatives. The search ultimately highlighted Carl Webb as a strong match. DNA comparisons with living descendants of the Webb family provided crucial confirmation, ending over seventy years of speculation.

Genealogists cross-referenced public records and available DNA matches to narrow the possibilities. This integrated approach, including both genetic and documentary evidence, was instrumental in finally establishing Carl Webb’s identity.

Life and Background of Carl Webb

Carl Webb, sometimes referred to as Charles Webb, was born in 1905 in Footscray, Victoria. He grew up in a family with several siblings and maintained connections to the Melbourne area throughout his life.

Little is known about his personal relationships, but researchers identified his relatives through archival documents and census records. His marriage records indicate he was married to Dorothy Robertson, but they separated before his disappearance.

Carl Webb did not have any children, contributing to the challenges in tracing his identity. The investigation accessed historical advertisements and legal documents to reconstruct aspects of his life and movements.

Connections to Electrical Engineering

Carl Webb was employed as an electrical engineer. This detail emerged from employment records and historical documentation found during the identification process.

His technical background sheds light on clues in the case, such as the mysterious items and codes discovered with the body. Webb’s professional skills may explain the possession of certain tools and the cryptic notes found in his belongings.

Records suggest he had basic training and possibly some practical experience, but it remains unclear what exact projects or locations he was involved with. The connection to electrical engineering remains a distinctive aspect of his known history.

Suspicions, Theories, and Unanswered Questions

The Somerton Man case drew attention because of its unsolved and mysterious nature. Unusual details at the scene and a lack of clear forensic answers fueled decades of speculation.

Possible Motives and Theories

Multiple theories circling the Somerton Man case have centered on espionage. The body was found in 1948, at the start of the Cold War, when suspicion of spies was common.

Some believe the man was involved in intelligence work. This theory gained traction because no one could identify him, and he left behind few personal effects. A copy of a rare book, Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, was found with a cipher and the phrase "Tamam Shud" hidden in a pocket.

Other theories include suicide, a secret romance, or even criminal activity. There were rumors about a relationship with a local nurse, and speculation about whether he had been poisoned. Despite the theories, no clear evidence has pointed to a definitive motive.

Speculation About Cause of Death

The cause of death has remained inconclusive. The autopsy found no obvious injuries and no signs of violence. Toxicology results did not detect any common poisons, but testing was limited by the era’s methods.

Authorities could not rule out poisoning. Some experts suggest a rare or fast-degrading toxin might have been used, resulting in an apparent natural death. This uncertainty contributed to the theory that he could have been assassinated, possibly linked to spy activities during the Cold War.

The lack of both identity and clear cause of death turned the case into a classic unsolved mystery. Forensic advances in later years have provided some clues but never a complete answer.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Somerton Man case has captured the attention of researchers, police, and the general public for decades. His identity, mysterious circumstances, and ongoing investigations have left a lasting mark on Australian history.

Ongoing Interest and Research

Interest in the Somerton Man case has remained strong for more than seventy years. Historians, forensic experts, and amateur sleuths have examined evidence, proposed theories, and used new scientific methods to re-examine existing materials.

In the 21st century, advances in DNA analysis played a crucial role. In 2022, researchers identified the Somerton Man as Carl "Charles" Webb, an electrical engineer from Melbourne. This breakthrough was made possible by genetic genealogy, using DNA extracted from his remains.

The South Australian Police have periodically reopened the investigation in response to new evidence and public demand. Specialists continue to review personal effects, autopsy results, and coded notes found with the body. Media coverage and documentaries have ensured ongoing public engagement, making the case one of Australia’s most discussed mysteries.

Somerton Man’s Burial at West Terrace Cemetery

The Somerton Man was buried in Adelaide’s West Terrace Cemetery in 1949. The burial and gravesite have become important historical and cultural markers.

His original grave was unmarked, reflecting his unknown identity. Over time, the site drew visitors and tribute from those interested in the case. When police exhumed his remains in 2021 for DNA analysis, care was taken to ensure respectful handling.

A new headstone bearing his confirmed identity, Carl Webb, was added after the discovery. The site now serves as both a memorial and a point of reflection. It is regularly maintained by cemetery staff and visited by researchers, journalists, and members of the public.

The Somerton Man: Australia’s Unidentified Body and the Mystery That Endures