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Posted by Dale Crisp
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1 May, 2026
AUTHORITIES are continuing to search for a crew member believed to have gone overboard from the chemical/products tanker Chem Cobalt in Port Phillip Bay.
The 19,990 DWT, Liberia flag vessel, operated by the Netherlands-based Ace Quantum Chemical Tankers, departed Melbourne’s 1 Maribyrnong berth at 1521 hours yesterday en route to Port Botany, Brisbane and then the USA with biofuel (used cooking oils).
As the tanker approached Port Phillip Heads under pilotage it was discovered a crewmember, believed to have been on board at departure, was missing. The ship was taken through the Heads and then brought back to anchorage as search-and-rescue operations began, under the direction of Victoria Police.
“Water Police are continuing to search Port Phillip Bay this morning, after a crew member was reported missing from a ship last night,” VicPol said this morning.
“A commercial ship left port around 5pm on Thursday, 30 April.
“The crew requested assistance when they discovered a member was missing as they were approaching the heads.
“Police were notified about 8.30pm last night. State Police Search & Rescue Coordination Centre were deployed and conducted a search of the South Port Phillip Bay area.
“The missing crewman aged in his 30s was not located."
A full-scale search utilising Police Airwing, Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Melbourne-based Challenger rescue aircraft, HEMS Air Ambulance and water vessels including Volunteer Marine Rescue and Coast Guard has continued this morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed it was assisting VicPol in the response to the incident.
“The incident was reported last night (30 April 2026), with Victoria Police requesting AMSA’s assistance,” a spokesperson said.
“AMSA has tasked the Melbourne-based Challenger rescue aircraft, along with two rescue helicopters, which are currently on scene conducting aerial search operations over Port Phillip Bay.”
DCN understands shipping traffic in Port Phillip along the course taken by Chem Cobalt has been restricted to 10 knots while the search continues.
