Japan’s Coast Guard believes a ship carrying 43 people, including two Australians, may have capsized and sunk, after speaking a rescued crewman.
The freighter was carrying its crew of two Australians, two New Zealanders and 39 Filipinos when it disappeared on Wednesday, the Coast Guard told the ABC.
The 45-year-old Philippines chief officer, Sareno Edvardo, was rescued on Wednesday night.
Mr Edvardo told authorities one of the ship’s engines lost power, before the ship was hit by a wave and capsized.
He said when the ship capsized he was told to put on a lifejacket. He said he jumped in the water and did not see any other crew members before he was rescued.
The search has continued throughout the day but authorities have not found any more survivors.
The Australian and New Zealand foreign ministries are providing consular assistance.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said in a statement earlier on Thursday.
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