A man who reportedly disappeared from a hulking coal ship off the Queensland coast, and is presumed dead, may have vanished after drinking “a toxic substance”.
What happened?
Last week, the crew onboard the ship raised an alarm at 6pm AEST, when the 47-year-old Filipino man could not be found, about five hours after he was last seen.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority launched a full air and sea search, but by the time the search was initiated the ship had travelled more than 100km away from the area, between Innisfail and Lucinda.
Rescue helicopters, and the Townsville Water Police searched the area until late into the night.
Search area extended:
Last week, the search area was extended to 800 square nautical miles (2743 square kilometers), and was combed with the help of AMSA’s search and rescue plane, six other fixed wing planes and the same rescue chopper used Last week were engaged.
In total, eight aircrafts and five vessels were involved in the search.
Ship continues its journey:
Last week, the hulking ship SBI Samba continued its journey towards south for Hay Point, near Mackay, after searching for the lost sailor.
That night, experts suggested the man – if he was in the water – had run out of time, and was certainly presumed dead.
After arriving at Hay Point Last week, the SBI Samba was boarded by Queensland Police officers.
Man consumed toxic substance:
According to police, the death was not suspicious, and the man is thought to have disappeared overboard after “consuming a toxic substance”.
The Queensland Police were unable to elaborate on the nature of the substance but have said the death is not considered suspicious.
Officers will now prepare a report for the coroner.
A spokesman for ship owners Scorpio Bulkers said the company had been in touch with the Australian Federal Police and AMSA following the incident.
He said the company would leave the investigation in the hands of the AFP, “given it’s a missing person case”.
The AFP has told Australian Regional Media that Queensland Police are leading the investigation.
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Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, Maritime Union of Australia
