Sea of Lies

Podcast Series: CBC's Uncovered
Host: Sam Mullins
Episode: Introduction | Uncover: Sea of Lies
Release Date: January 27, 2025

Introduction

Sea of Lies delves into the mysterious death of a man found dead at sea near Devon, England, unraveling a complex web of deceit, stolen identities, and relentless investigation. Hosted by Sam Mullins, the episode sets the stage for an intricate true-crime narrative driven by chance encounters and unforeseen twists.

Discovery of the Body

July 28, 1996, in the tranquil holiday town of Brixham, Devon, England, father-son duo Craig and John Coppock embark on a fishing trip aboard their trawler, the Malky. Initially anticipating a routine day of fishing, their experience takes a haunting turn.

• Craig Coppock (05:05): Describes their day: “We used to leave at around 4:30, 5:00 in the morning... perfect days on the water... making you glad you're working on a boat.”

After several unsuccessful catches, John Coppock decides to venture into a notorious fishing area known as "the roughs," where other fishermen typically avoid due to treacherous seabeds. It is here that the unimaginable occurs.

At 06:24, Craig recounts the moment they hauled in their net to discover not just fish, but a fully dressed deceased man:

“The body was barely touched. Usually when anything dies in the ocean... he'd be eaten by sea creatures. This guy just looked like a really bad prop from a horror movie.”

Initial Police Investigation

The discovery immediately triggers an intensive investigation led by Detective Ian Clenaghan and Detective Sergeant Bill McDonald of the Devon and Cornwall Police. Initial assessments label the cause of death as drowning, but inconsistencies raise suspicions.

• Ian Clenaghan (12:03): Observes, “This was obviously done before he went in the water. So we stopped everything, we didn't do anything more because now we're looking at a crime scene.”

Complicating matters, the man's Rolex watch later exhibits unusual behavior, reigniting the investigation.

The Rolex Clue

A pivotal moment occurs when Craig Coppock inadvertently points out details about the deceased’s Rolex watch:

“The watch I was wearing on that day was engraved with my name and birthday on the back, which was given to me as a gift.”
— Craig Coppock 15:37

Detective Sergeant Bill McDonald emphasizes the significance:

“Each Rolex watch has a serial number which is recorded by Rolex, that's unique to that watch.”
— Bill McDonald 24:50

This discovery leads to the identification of RJ Platt, a name linked to the watch's service history in Harrogate, a considerable distance from Devon.

Identification of Ron Platt

Through meticulous detective work, Clenaghan and McDonald trace Ron Platt to Essex. Detective Sergeant Peter Redmond from Essex Police plays a crucial role in uncovering connections that span regions.

• Peter Redmond (27:03): Narrates his discovery, “Ron had moved to France. This detail would light up our imaginations because a move to France could place Ron on a boat in the English Channel where his body was found.”

Further investigation leads them to Brian Platt, Ron's brother in Wales, who reveals personal struggles Ron faced:

“Ron was quiet, private, suffered from depression and dark moods.”
— Brian Platt 35:16

The Twist: Double Identity

A startling revelation surfaces when Peter Redmond mistakenly contacts a neighbor, only to discover:

“Ron Platt lives next door.”
— Peter Redmond 43:53

This encounter suggests that David Davis, initially identified as Ron Platt, might be living under an assumed name, introducing a layer of deception that complicates the case.

Role of Luck and Fate

The investigation underscores the role of sheer luck and serendipitous moments:

“As Redmond drives his brand new car that day in 1996, he has no idea that he himself has become a vehicle of fate.”
— Sam Mullins 41:48

The chance loss of a phone number and the accidental knocking on the wrong doorstep highlight how small actions can dramatically influence outcomes.

Unraveling the Mystery

The detectives confront the possibility that Ron Platt might have fabricated aspects of his identity, potentially to escape past troubles or assume a new life. The narrative hints at deeper criminal undertones and the lengths to which Platt might have gone to conceal his true self.

• Bill McDonald (48:37): Reflects on the investigation, “I thought he was either on the run, involved in some sort of witness protection program, or with the CIA... Beyond doubt.”

Conclusion

Sea of Lies concludes with the detectives facing unresolved questions about Ron Platt's true identity and motives. The case remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of criminal investigations and the thin line between truth and deception.

Notable Quotes

• Craig Coppock (08:16): “The body had a tattoo on its hand. It was really difficult to tell what the tattoo was and we noticed quite soon that the guy was wearing a Rolex watch.”

• Ian Clenaghan (16:11): “There was nothing that kind of smacked me in the face as being, this is suspicious.... What are we ever going to find out what happened?”

• Peter Redmond (43:33): “To me, he's Mr. Davis.”

• Bill McDonald (48:08): “Everyone had a theory... none of them were anywhere near the true reality.”

Final Thoughts

Sea of Lies masterfully blends storytelling with investigative journalism, offering listeners a gripping exploration of a case where luck, persistence, and human error intertwine to uncover hidden truths. As the story progresses in subsequent episodes, the depth of deceit and the pursuit of justice promise to keep audiences enthralled.