Search underway for man missing near Cape Preston

A marine and air search is under way in Cape Preston, near Karratha, in an effort to find a missing Myanmar national believed to have fallen overboard.

The 28-year-old, who was a crew member on an iron ore bulk carrier passing through the port, was reported missing in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

WA Police, Border Force, the Department of Transport, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Cape Preston Port staff and Dampier and Port Walcott volunteer marine rescue groups are all part of the search for the man, which has so far included about 10 vessels, two helicopters and one fixed wing aircraft.

A dive team is expected to join the search tomorrow.

Dampier police officer-in-charge Sergeant Paul World said searchers remained hopeful of finding the missing man.

“Police are always hopeful of a good outcome, but the more time that goes on — with the reality of him being potentially immersed in water —definitely reduces the chances,” he said.

He said police believed the man was a “fair” swimmer.

Weather conditions have so far been favourable to the search.

Port operations at Cape Preston were suspended all day on Tuesday to assist.