South AfricaThree Dead, Two Missing Off Mossel Bay
A maritime incident occurred off Mossel Bay when a fast rescue boat capsized while trying to save a crew member who had fallen overboard from the tug Umkhuseli. The incident resulted in the deaths of three seafarers and two remain missing.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
A crew member of the tug Umkhuseli fell overboard approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay on Wednesday, September 30, while working on deck in adverse weather conditions.
A Fast Rescue Boat carrying four crew members was launched to recover the individual, but it capsized, resulting in five people entering the water.
The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre Cape Town activated a search and rescue response, mobilising maritime and aviation resources, including vessels in the vicinity and support from the National Sea Rescue Institute.
The bodies of Second Officer Akhona Mlaba, Fourth Engineer Simphiwe Simayi, and Able Seafarer Ditaba Leoto have been recovered, while the search for Oiler Zolile Milbaziso and Able Seafarer Sibonile Qalani continues.
The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and the maritime industry.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority will commence a preliminary investigation into the incident, and African Marine Solutions is providing support to the families and affected crew members.
Dan Ngakane, Chief Executive of African Marine Solutions, said the company has been in direct contact with the families of all five affected seafarers and is providing them with support and regular updates.
Key facts
- Three seafarers have died and two remain missing after a maritime incident off Mossel Bay.
- The incident occurred approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay.
- A crew member fell overboard from the tug Umkhuseli while working on deck.
- A Fast Rescue Boat capsized while trying to recover the crew member.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The incident is under investigation, and the search for the two missing seafarers continues. The maritime industry is awaiting the outcome of the investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
Positive
The swift response of the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and the support from nearby vessels and the National Sea Rescue Institute helped to recover the bodies of the deceased seafarers and continue the search for the missing crew members.
Negative
The incident highlights the risks faced by seafarers in adverse weather conditions, and the investigation will examine the safety measures in place to prevent such incidents.
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