Three Dead, Two Missing After Fast Rescue Boat Capsizes Off South Africa

Three people have died and two are still missing after a rescue boat overturned off South Africa’s Western Cape coast. The accident happened on September 30, about 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay.

A crew member on the rescue tug Umkhuseli fell overboard while working on deck. Four other crew members then went out in a fast rescue boat to look for him.

The rescue boat later capsized. All five people ended up in the water.

The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Cape Town started a search and rescue operation. Ships in the area were asked to help, while aircraft and rescue teams were also sent to the scene.

The National Sea Rescue Institute and the South African Police Service water wing and helicopter crews took part in the search.
Three bodies were recovered. Two people are still missing.

The search was stopped overnight and started again at first light on October 1. It was later ended after authorities reviewed the operation and the information available.

The Umkhuseli is operated by South African marine services company African Marine Solution (AMSOL).

The tug was working near an offshore platform when the accident happened. It is contracted by South Africa’s Department of Transport to provide emergency towing and response services.

AMSOL said the incident happened during safety standby operations. The company said its emergency procedures were put into action immediately.

Another AMSOL tug, Inkanyezi, joined the search and stayed in the area to keep watch, according to the Knysna-Plett Herald.

AMSOL said all five people involved were its employees. It has also started an internal investigation into the accident.

SAMSA and the Department of Transport are also involved in an external investigation. SAMSA has started a separate preliminary enquiry.

AMSOL Chief Executive Dan Ngakane said the company was in contact with the families of all five seafarers.

The company said it was supporting the families and giving them updates when new information was confirmed. It is also supporting the colleagues and loved ones of those involved.

References: bairdmaritime, apanews