A jet from interstate has been sent to help a major air and sea search for a man who went overboard off Queensland’s western cape early this morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Bureau said a mayday call was broadcast from a fishing boat in the Gulf of Carpentaria about 4.20am.
The ABC understands the search is focused about 30 nautical miles south-west of Weipa, which is about 635 kilometres north-west of Cairns.
The RSCU330 jet from Essendon in Victoria was sent to join the Cairns-based Challenger jet in the search, as well as two far north Queensland rescue helicopters.
AMSA says nearby boats, including fishing boats, are helping, along with Weipa’s Volunteer Marine Rescue catamaran.
“AMSA will proceed with investigations on this matter once the search and rescue efforts conclude,” a spokesperson said.