A search is continuing off the Central Coast for a man who fell from a coal ship in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The man reportedly fell off the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier MV Western Marine about 3.30am, but the ship's crew were not aware their colleague was missing until 6.30am.
The ship was 60 kilometres east of Bateau Bay at the time waiting to enter the Port of Newcastle.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is coordinating the search and has had its Melbourne-based Challenger search and rescue jet, multiple helicopters and NSW Water Police searching an area of about 130 square-kilometres throughout the day.
The bulk carrier remains about 55 kilometres south-east of Lake Macquarie.
Marine Rescue has been broadcasting alerts for vessels in the area to keep a lookout for the man.
The ship was on route from Korea and had been due to dock in Newcastle on Thursday.
