A search and rescue operation has been halted after a seafarer fell from a Vitol-controlled tanker off France.
The trader and shipowner's Latvia-based technical manager LSC said the accident occurred on 13 April at 5:30 local time (0330 GMT).
The "much-valued" seafarer was lost from the 51,000-dwt MR vessel Elandra Baltic (built 2011).
He fell into the water 3 nautical miles (5.5 nautical km) from Cape Couronne.
The crewman was rigging the combination ladder of the vessel to allow the pilot of the port of Marseilles-Fos to embark to carry out mooring manoeuvres, LSC added.
"The rescue operation was launched immediately involving the regional maritime rescue coordination centre (MRCC) with a helicopter and four boats, but unfortunately, the missing seaman was not found notwithstanding calm weather, and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has suspended search and rescue operations," the company said.
Investigation launched
The vessel is now anchored at the inner anchorage near the port.
LSC added that it has launched an official investigation, and is cooperating fully with all relevant authorities and has informed all affected parties.
"The family of the missing seafarer is being kept informed of the situation and our sympathies are with them at this difficult time," the company said.
The Le Reporter Sableur website reported that the missing man is a 55-year-old Latvian.
He fell at least six metres into the sea.
French authorities carried out a search with a Dragon 131 helicopter from Marignane and two pilot boats from Marseilles.
The vessel has no port state control detentions going back to its delivery.
