A Nigerian-registered tugboat, LEO, has sunk off the coast of South Africa’s Western Cape province, resulting in one fatality and leaving five crew members missing.
According to reports, the vessel was en route to Lagos from South Africa, where it had undergone repairs, when it ran aground in stormy waters between Cape Town and Durban on Saturday.The South African Search and Rescue (SASAR) received a distress signal from the tugboat, reporting uncontrolled water ingress, and promptly launched a rescue operation.
Twelve crew members were rescued and taken to Port Elizabeth, where they are receiving medical attention and support. The Nigerian government, through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Onoh, has confirmed the incident and stated that officials from the Nigeria High Commission are receiving the survivors.
The search for the five missing crew members is ongoing, despite adverse weather conditions.The cause of the incident is currently unknown, and investigations are expected to follow.
Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and missing crew members.
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