Three seafarers have died, and two remain missing after a rescue boat that was launched from the AMSOL (African Marine Solutions Group) tugboat Umkhuseli capsized during a recovery operation off the Southern Cape coast.
The incident happened on Wednesday, 30 September, about 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay.
According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa), the incident began when a crew member reportedly fell overboard the Umkhuseli while working on deck.
A Fast Rescue Boat carrying four crew members was launched from the Umkhuseli to recover the seafarer, but the boat subsequently capsized.
This resulted in five people entering the water.
The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town immediately activated a coordinated search and rescue operation, involving vessels in the area, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and South African Police Service water wing and helicopter resources.
Three of the seafarers were recovered on Wednesday and were confirmed dead.
The two remaining seafarers are still missing.
AMSOL said search and recovery operations resumed at first light on Thursday, with its tug Inkanyezi remaining on site.
The company said one of the five affected employees was from Durban and four were from Cape Town.
AMSOL CEO Dan Ngakane said the company was in direct contact with the families of all five seafarers and was providing support and regular updates.
“We confirm the passing of three of our much loved and respected colleagues,” Ngakane said.
“Our thoughts are with family members, loved ones and the entire AMSOL community during this extremely challenging time.”
Samsa said it had initiated a preliminary enquiry into the incident, while AMSOL confirmed that both internal and external investigations had begun.
Samsa said the active search and rescue operation had subsequently been concluded following an assessment of the operation and available information.
The maritime authority extended its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, as well as its appreciation to those who assisted in the search and rescue effort.
AMSOL said it would continue supporting the families and colleagues of the seafarers involved.
