Tug Sinks off South Africa: Search Intensifies for Five Missing Seafarers
A major search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of South Africa after a tugboat sank in rough seas, leaving five crewmembers missing. Two merchant vessels and a fishing boat are assisting the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in the operation. Authorities have confirmed that 12 people were rescued and one body was recovered, according to Maritime Executive.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Cape Town received a distress call at around 19:00 on February 28. The crew of the tug Leo reported that the vessel was taking on water uncontrollably. All 18 people on board prepared to abandon ship using four life rafts before the tug went down in the early hours of March 1.
SAMSA located the incident area approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel bay. Some reports indicate the tug may have grounded during a storm prior to sinking. The coastline is known for severe weather and heavy seas, conditions that are now complicating the search effort. Authorities have deployed all available resources, including a helicopter.
The rescued seafarers are being transferred to Port Elizabeth. Officials have notified the Nigerian government, as the tug is reported to be Nigerian-owned and had undergone repairs in South Africa before departing on a return voyage to Lagos. A Nigerian representative is meeting the survivors to provide support.
Rescue teams continue to battle harsh conditions as the search for the five missing crew members goes on.
