At 0630 on 8 July 2012, the mess-man on board the Cyprus registered bulk carrier Blue Wave failed to present for duty whilst the ship was off the coast of New South Wales en route to Newcastle. The master was informed, and the crew searched the ship. However, the missing man was not found and so the master advised the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) Australia.
In response, RCC Australia tasked air and sea assets to assist the ship in a search of the sea area. The missing man was not located.
Once search operations were discontinued, Blue Wave continued its voyage to Newcastle.
On 9 July 2012, the Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping requested assistance from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in obtaining information in relation to the accident.
On 17 July, the information obtained by the ATSB, including statements Police had taken from the crew, was forwarded to the Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping.
This ATSB external assistance investigation was then closed. Further information in relation to this accident can be obtained from the Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping.