MUA crew caught in cyclonic storm

The lives of 11 Australians are in danger as they try to ride out tropical cyclone Dianne off the north-west coast of Western Australia, MUA WA branch report.

Branch safety officer Noel Nielsen told the Cootamundra Herald he held grave fears for all on board the Singaporean-registered tugboat Hako Esteem, working the Gorgan gas project near Shark Bay.

"The crew is extremely upset with the master and the fact he doesn't seem to have a contingency plan in place if something goes wrong," Noel Nielsen said.

"He refuses to speak to the crew collectively and has only agreed to address crew's individual concerns.

"We have advised he either needs to unhook the barge and run away from the cyclone or anchor up somewhere and get the people off."

The tugboat is registered to Singaporean company Hako Shipping, chartered by Boskalis Australia and overseen by American company Chevron and Kellog Joint Venture.

The crew are employed by Total Marine Services, a company based in Australia.

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