Wednesday 15 April 2015
A search for a man overboard from a bulk carrier, east of Fraser Island in Queensland, has been suspended at last light today following an extensive search operation and supporting expert medical advice.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the search for the seafarer after it was notified by the ship’s agent about 7.30 am today.
The seafarer was noticed missing from the Liberian flagged ship MV Sea Amity about 10.20 pm (AEST) on Tuesday, April 14. The ship’s crew searched for the man about 55 kilometres east of Fraser Island.
Six helicopters, three planes, a police vessel from Hervey Bay and volunteer marine rescue vessel from Tin Can Bay were tasked by AMSA to search an area of 820 square nautical miles (2816 square kilometres).
Conditions in the search area were moderate, with seas of two metres and 25 knot winds. The ship has continued its voyage to Newcastle.