Search continues for man overboard

A search is continuing for a man who fell overboard from an oil tanker bound for Kwinana yesterday.

Indian national Mukesh Lala Fulbaria was reported missing from the Liberian oil tanker MT Sigma Integrity at 1.45am, about 80 nautical miles north-west of Carnarvon.

A marker with a life ring was thrown overboard yesterday morning for the seafarer and the ship’s crew searched the area.

Wallem Ship Management confirmed “with deep concern” that the motorman was still missing.

The company is sending safety and operations staff to Kwinana to support the search effort.

“Wallem is working with the local Australian authorities co-ordinating the search and rescue operation, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Police,” a spokeswoman said.

“We appreciate the assistance in the search, including the AMSA airplane and helicopters, the water police, and the merchant vessels called to assist.”

Wallem said its thoughts were with the family of Mr Fulbaria, who has worked for the company for 13 years.

Two other vessels, the Venus and the Vil Atlantic, responded to a shipping broadcast and were helping with the search.

A search and rescue aircraft was sent from Perth and spent several hours in the area.

Two helicopters from Exmouth also helped with the search, which continued until last light and resumed this morning.