Police on case of missing crewman

AN investigation has been launched into the disappearance of a man missing from a livestock ship now docked in Townsville.

It is believed second engineer Arnel Gillo, 45, reportedly from the Philippines, went overboard from the Galloway Express on March 13.

International Transport Workers Federation national co- ordinator Dean Summers said the man’s family was not contacted until three days later.

But a spokesman for ship owner Vroon said representatives from the company went to his home to tell his family.

“Our primary concern is with the family and fellow crew of the missing seafarer,” he said.

In a statement, an Australian Martime Safety Authority spokeswoman confirmed the body was aware of the incident.

“AMSA was advised by the ship’s master on March 14 that this occurred en route to Australia on March 13,” she said.

“At the time, the ship was outside Australian waters ( in the Flores Sea, north of Timor).

“A search was carried out by local authorities but was later suspended after no signs of the missing person were found.”

The spokeswoman said the ship arrived at the Port of Townsville on Tuesday.

“AMSA understands Queensland police and Australian Border Force officers attended the ship upon its arrival,” she said.

“ABF conducted routine ‘ first port boarding’ procedures and assisted police with a vessel search.”

Mr Summers confirmed police boarded the vessel when it docked on Tuesday.

However, he questioned their understanding of the crew’s language and culture.

The Bulletin understands police inspected the ship and spoke to the crew and the death is being treated as nonsuspicious. A report is expected to be prepared for the Coroner.