Desperate search for Maersk Supply crew who ‘went overboard’ from vessel off Pilbara coast

A search and rescue for a person believed to have gone overboard a vessel this morning off the coast of Dampier is currently underway.

Maersk Supply Service confirmed a crew member of the Maersk Mover was reported missing at 8.15am today while the vessel was in transit back to the Port of Dampier.

Maersk Supply Service managing director David Kearney said their primary concern was the safety and wellbeing of the employees and those affected by the situation.

“We continue to do all we can to find our colleague,” he said.

“This is a very difficult time for the relatives of our missing crew member and for the rest of the crew and our thoughts go to them and we will make every effort possible to help and assist.”

The next of kin of the missing crew has been informed.

The Pilbara News understands a rescue aircraft, five rescue helicopters and vessels are scouring the open ocean about 70km west of Dampier.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority is coordinating the search for the missing person and its Perth-based Challenger rescue aircraft is at the scene.

Situated off the North West Shelf and close to Chevron’s Barrow Island facilities, the area is a hotspot for oil and gas vessel activity.

It is also close to iron ore ports to the west at Dampier and Cape Preston to the south.

More to come