Search for ship's captain

SEARCH for cargo ship's captain off Fraser Island.

SEVEN fixed-wing aircraft are searching for a 62-year-old Korean national who was reported missing from a cargo ship yesterday afternoon.

An Australian Maritime Safety Authority  (AMSA) spokeswoman told The Observer they received a call about 4pm yesterday afternoon that the captain had gone missing from the vessel, The Ocean Caesar, when the vessel was at 40 nautical miles north to north-east of the tip of Fraser Island.

An AMSA Dornier is one of the aircraft searching for the man.

“The Dornier aircraft searched until after dark using infra red, however, there were no sightings,” the AMSA spokeswoman said.

She said the seven aircraft would finish the current search at noon and have a briefing before six will head back out at 2pm today to continue the search.

The spokeswoman said the search was being conducted over a 220 square mile radius, going as far north as 40 nautical miles north-east of Sandy Cape.

“At this stage, there have been no sightings,” she said.

The spokeswoman said other aircraft involved in the search included a mix of private and State Government owned aircraft, all flying out of Harvey Bay.

The Ocean Caesar was heading to South Africa from Hay Point carrying general cargo.

The captain of the Panama registered vessel was first noticed as missing by the crew about 4pm yesterday.

They cannot remember seeing him since 2pm yesterday.

Searchers are still scouring the area and the rescue helicopter is on standby.

Originally published as Search for ship's captain