Search for bulk carrier crewman off WA

The outcome of a search for a crewman who fell from an iron ore bulk carrier off Port Hedland in Western Australia's Pilbara region is "not looking good".

Police said the 41-year-old man fell overboard from the Singapore-registered Cape Splendor on Monday about 12.50pm while it was at anchor.

Crew were unsuccessful in attempting to rescue the man.

Water police searched for him throughout the night, and were joined by additional vessels and a helicopter on Tuesday morning.

A spokesman for the Port Hedland Seafarers Centre said it was "not looking good".

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was sending two transport safety investigators to Port Headland on Tuesday to investigate the incident.