MP’s plea for search help
Heartfelt letter on behalf of missing man’s family and friends
BASS MP Bridget Archer has penned a heartfelt letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne asking for help on behalf of the families and friends of the 40 missing Gulf Livestock I crew.
The live export ship carrying 43 men and almost 6000 cattle capsized and sank en route from New Zealand to China during Typhoon Maysak on September 2.
Among the crew still lost at sea was Bass constituent and “very dear friend to the community”, 27-year-old Will Mainprize.
“Along with the nation I was very distressed to learn that Gulf Livestock I had gone missing off the coast of Japan,” said the letter Ms Archer shared with members of the Facebook group, ‘Urgent Efforts to Resume Search for Gulf Livestock I Survivors’.
“What an unfathomable tragedy and I can only imagine the anguish of the friends and families of the missing crew while we await the outcome of the search and rescue mission.”
Mrs Archer’s letter said she understood the Japanese government had confirmed the air and sea search continued.
“I have received requests for the Australian government to assist using satellite technology,” it went on to say.
BRIDGET ARCHER
“Could you please update me on the status of the search and rescue mission and if satellite technology could be of assistance. I appreciate your consideration in these very desperate times.”
Ms Archer’s message was met with many messages of thanks from members of the group.
patrick.gee@news.com.au