Three dead, two missing in maritime incident off Mossel Bay
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will commence with a preliminary investigation into the incident.
Three crew members perished, while two others remain missing following a tragic rescue operation off Mossel Bay, confirmed by the Department of Transport. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The uMkhuseli Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV), operated by AMSOL on behalf of the department, encountered a man-overboard situation approximately 40 nautical miles offshore during stormy weather.
A crew member was pulled overboard while managing a mooring line. A search and rescue mission was swiftly launched, but a fast rescue boat, carrying four crew members, capsized in tumultuous seas, resulting in three fatalities. The search operation was halted overnight due to worsening conditions but resumed the following day for the two missing crew members.
The Department of Transport paid tribute to all vessels and NSRI volunteers who responded with heroism under challenging circumstances. Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa expressed deep condolences to the deceased crew members' families and to the maritime industry at large. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) launched a preliminary investigation, while AMSOL extended support to the families and affected crew members.
The safety of seafarers remains a top priority. COSATU, the Congress of South African Trade Unions in the Western Cape, also mourned the loss of the deceased and called for a comprehensive investigation to determine the incident's cause and ensure accountability.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
