Search operations continue for five missing crew members following the sinking of a tug vessel about 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay at the weekend.
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Search operations continue for five missing crew members following the sinking of a tug vessel about 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay at the weekend.
Of the 18 crew members who were aboard the tug LEO, 13 crew have been accounted for, consisting of 12 survivors, and one presumed deceased.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town on behalf of the South African Search and Rescue Organisation (SASAR) said it was coordinating the search and rescue following a distress incident involving the vessel.
Just after 7pm Saturday night, the vessel transmitted a mayday distress message reporting uncontrolled water ingress and requesting immediate assistance.
“A mayday relay was subsequently broadcast via Cape Town Radio to alert nearby vessels to render support.
“The vessel had 18 crew members on board. The crew abandoned ship into four liferafts before the tug sank in the early hours of (Sunday) morning,” the MRCC said.
Two merchant vessels and one local fishing vessel remained in the vicinity and continue to assist with search operations.
A helicopter has also been deployed to provide aerial support across the search area.
“Search operations continue for the five remaining missing crew members.
“Prevailing weather conditions in the area remain adverse; however, all available resources continue to be utilised to locate the missing crew,” the MRCC said.
An Incident Management System (IMS) structure was activated to support and coordinate the ongoing response effort, ensuring alignment between MRCC, onscene resources, and relevant authorities.
SASAR extended its condolences to the family of the deceased.
About a month ago, a 40-foot vessel owned by Knysna Fishing Company sank after a fire broke out while the vessel was at anchor off Paradise Beach in St Francis Bay.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) had issued a navigation warning due to the presence of the sunken vessel FV Western Star, which poses a hazard to maritime traffic.
At the time of the incident, the vessel with 11 crew members was carrying about 2,000 litres of diesel, 25 litres of oil and other lubricants, as well as an estimated 1,200 kilograms of squid stored in blue plastic bags.
All 11 crew members were safely evacuated.
Cape Times