Three sailors tragically lost their lives and two others are still missing after a rescue boat overturned during an emergency operation involving the South African emergency towing vessel Umkhuseli.
The incident took place on Wednesday, September 30, while the ship was conducting standby safety operations approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, as reported by African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
Initial reports suggest that a crew member fell overboard while working on deck. Four other crew members launched a rescue boat from the Umkhuseli to retrieve the overboard sailor, but the rescue boat capsized, putting all five crew members into the water.
In response, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Cape Town initiated a sea and air search operation, redirecting nearby vessels to assist. The National Sea Rescue Institute and the South African Police Service provided water and helicopter support for the mission.
Three employees from AMSOL were recovered on Wednesday and were confirmed dead. As of Thursday, two other crew members remain missing.
AMSOL confirmed that its tug Inkanyezi stayed at the scene while search and recovery operations continued. SAMSA later announced the active search and rescue effort had come to a close.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of three of our beloved colleagues,” said AMSOL Chief Executive Dan Ngakane. The company is in direct contact with the families of all five seafarers and is offering support.
All five individuals were employees of AMSOL. One was from Durban, and four were from Cape Town, according to company information. Both internal and external investigations have been launched, and SAMSA has initiated a preliminary inquiry into what happened.
The Umkhuseli is operated by AMSOL as an emergency towing and response vessel in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of Transport and SAMSA. The vessel is on standby for emergency towing, salvage, environmental protection, search and rescue, and other maritime response operations.
This vessel has participated in several emergency operations along the South African coast this year, aiding disabled and drifting commercial vessels near Algoa Bay, Port Alfred, and Cape Town.
The accident on September 30 took place while the Umkhuseli was positioned near an offshore platform, according to SAMSA. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the rescue boat capsizing.