Ship crew member still missing

Police and customs are investigating a Liberian-owned cargo ship, anchored off Auckland, after a crew member was reported missing last week.

A maritime police spokesman told The Dominion Post a distress call was made from the 126-metre Annapurna when the ship was more than 6400km away.

There were also concerns whether the ship could pay for fuel, with Immigration officials contacted in case the 23 Burmese crew members became stranded in New Zealand.

The ship's United States-based manager Eastwind Maritime filed for bankruptcy in June and doubts the bill had been paid from their last fuel stop could see the ship seized.

- NZPA