Friday 27 May 2016
On May 25, a commercial fishing vessel capsized approximately 4 kilometres off Bowen in Queensland with three crew on board.
Queensland Police coordinated a search and rescue response. Two crew members were rescued. Unfortunately, the master of the vessel did not survive.
The fishing vessel was towed to Bowen harbour for the investigation. The vessel capsize appears to have involved a collision with a tugboat. The tugboat operator is cooperating with the investigation.
As the incident involved domestic commercial vessels, AMSA is currently investigating to determine the circumstances that led to incident. Maritime Safety Queensland and Queensland Police are assisting in the investigation.
AMSA extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.
As AMSA’s investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.