Dubai shipowner Gulf Navigation is urging South China Sea nations to search uninhabited islands in a bid to find 40 seafarers missing after the sinking of a livestock carrier.
The Gulf Livestock 1 capsized and sank in Typhoon Maysak on 2 September off Japan, after losing power. Three men were rescued, but one later died.
The shipowner, together with the vessel's unnamed manager and manning agent, said local coastguards and governments needed to pitch in with help.
They want the search for the crew to resume to "specifically include the many small uninhabited islands where relatives believe their loved ones might have reached during the severe storm".
"Search and rescue operations are in the hands of the nation states with jurisdiction over the relevant territory and they have the best resources and equipment to undertake such tasks quickly and efficiently," the companies added.
Filipino crew members make up 36 of the missing, together with four men from Australia and New Zealand.
Search halted on 9 September
The search operation was halted after two days due to terrible weather. It then resumed from 7 to 9 September, and was then finally called off that day.
Japan said it would maintain regular patrols by aircraft and boats, however.
"We are confident that the Japanese Coast Guard effort remains both painstaking and comprehensive and we thank them for the efforts in very bad weather," the companies added.
A general alert has also gone out to all ships, including fishing vessels, passing through the region to keep a look out for survivors.
As for the wreck itself, the feasibility of sending professional dive teams down is being considered.
But no one knows exactly where it is, due to the two strong typhoons that passed through the area in quick succession.
"The general depth in the region, which could be in excess of 1,000 metres, and strong tidal flows are a major consideration affecting any diving operations," Gulf Navigation added.
The company is keeping the testimony given to authorities by the two survivors private until a full investigation report is published.
"We will do everything possible to find ways of finding further survivors of this tragic accident. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the crew member who was found deceased and can only hope and pray that other survivors may be found, even at this late stage," the shipowner added.
Last text message
The family of one of the Australians on board, William Mainprize, 27, told domestic media there were many unanswered questions about the tragedy.
"There are 40 men still at sea and one lifeboat missing along with life rafts," a family spokesman said.
Mainprize’s girlfriend also revealed her final text message exchange with the seafarer.
"We are in the middle of a typhoon and engine control room is taking on water," he wrote.
"Engine is off and we are floating sideways in huge sea. Oh man, it’s pretty hairy. Not sure of the severity of it at the moment."
