Devastated friends and family of a missing Australian crew member from a live export ship that capsized off the coast of Japan have urged governments to help continue with the search.
Stockman William Mainprize, from Sydney, is one of two Australians feared lost at sea after Gulf Livestock 1 disappeared last Wednesday following Typhoon Maysak, carrying 6,000 cows and 43 crew members.
Having rescued two survivors from the Philippines, the Japanese Coast Guard made the decision to suspend the search, finding no traces of the vessel or the other 40 crew members.
One lifeboat and three life rafts remain unaccounted for.
Tom Suttorr, a university friend of Mr Mainprize, called for search and rescue efforts to resume.
“It’s insane to think that we can just stop this search,” he told SBS News.
“I believe that we have two Australians that are potentially alive, lost somewhere and we aren’t doing enough to find them.”
Friends and family of the missing crew members claim there has been no search and rescue efforts made by the Australian, New Zealander or Chinese governments.
From left: Will, Emily, Sarah and Tom Mainprize with baby Poppy, Christmas 2016 Source: Supplied
Mr Suttorr told SBS News that friends and family had contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for assistance, but were told the Australian government “isn’t obliged to be searching these foreign waters for a foreign ship".
“You have two citizens that are missing and in a life-threatening situation. Surely we can allocate some more resources for our friends in Japan," Mr Suttor said.
They're now calling for assistance from federal or state governments, the business community and fellow Australians to help continue the search.
The Mainprize family thanked the Japanese Coast Guard, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for their assistance.
But they expressed their disappointment at the decision to suspend the full-time search.
“There are still so many unanswered questions and this is a time-sensitive matter,” a spokesperson for the family said.
“There are 40 men still at sea and one lifeboat missing along with life rafts.
“We are hopeful that our dear Will is out there with the other remaining crew waiting to be rescued.”
The family said Mr Mainprize, as a certified Stockperson, was responsible for upholding and monitoring the welfare of animals on board and did his best to care for the cattle in his care.
Japan Coast Guard officers rescuing a Filipino crew member of the Gulf Livestock 1 cargo vessel. Source: AAP - JAPAN COAST GUARD
“Will is incredibly passionate about the environment, social justice and animal and human rights,” the spokesperson said.
“He is the kindest and most generous person and it would be a tragedy if he was not able to continue contributing positively to the world."
Studying at Charles Sturt University, Mr Mainprize worked as a teacher’s aide assisting at-risk young adults.
He also conducted tours of the Tasmanian outdoors, and is aspiring to finish a Masters degree in Education.
Mr Suttorr, described Mr Mainprize as an “awesome bloke” and an “extremely compassionate and empathetic man”.
Will Mainprize (far right) and friend Harry Morrison presenting a crew member with a gift of Manuka honey, July 2020. Source: Supplied
“He’s been my best mate since I met him,” Mr Suttorr said.
“The shipping world has a lot of respect for him. He’s a one-of-a-kind of a stockman.”
“If you sail with him, it’s hard to get him to knock off - he just puts in everything to get the best outcome for the morale of the crew.”
A petition is circulating to resume the search for the crew members, and currently has over 6,400 signatures.
Australian vet Lukas Orda, 25, originally from Mount Isa in Queensland's west, is also missing along with New Zealand crew members Scott Harris and Lochie Bellerby.
