The vessel was found drifting in calm waters approximately east of Rowley Shoals inside the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone. The crew was missing there has been no explanation for their disappearance. There was no evident reason for the abandonment: no signs of distress were found, and the crew's personal effects remained on board. "The High Aim 6" had plenty of fuel and provisions and no sign of a struggle could be found. Initial concerns that the ship had been carrying illegal immigrants were dismissed when the contents of the hold proved with a cargo to be rotting fish. The ship was equipped for long-line fishing.