Media Release

Man Overboard, Bass Strait

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating a search for a passenger on a Spirit of Tasmania ferry lost overboard late last night.

Four ships, including the Spirit of Tasmania, two night-vision equipped helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft also fitted with a Forward Looking Infra Red camera searched overnight.

From first light this morning, three helicopters, a fixed wing aircraft and a Royal Australian Navy survey vessel will continue the search over some 100 square nautical miles.

The incident occurred about 40 nautical miles (75kms) north west of Devenport on the Melbourne-bound Spirit of Tasmania II.

The missing man is in his early 40s. The sea state in the area is rough with 25 knot south westerly winds and a 2.5 metre swell.

Further information:

Ben Mitchell, 0418 164 901