Suspected Libyan stowaway found on life raft near Robben Island

A Libyan man suspected of being a stowaway was found drifting towards Robben Island on a life raft, suffering from dehydration late last night.

He is now in police custody.

Crew on board a SAFMARINE ship, Cha Chai, at anchor at 4 Buoy in Table Bay and while waiting to enter the Port of Table Bay noticed an unidentified man launching a life-raft from their ship. They reported the incident to Transnet National Ports Authority

“At 10.27 pm, 24 February, NSRI Table Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated by Transnet,” Pat van Eyssen, NSRI Table Bay station commander, said:  “Our duty crew launched our sea rescue craft Spirit Of Vodacom and the SAP Sea Borderline responded.”

A search then commenced.  In full moonlight and in good sea conditions the life-raft was located East of Robben Island by the police boat.  Police Sea Borderline officers recovered the man from the life-raft, which was returned to the ship.

The 19 year-old man was taken on board the sea rescue craft and was medically checked by NSRI medics. He was dressed only in a pair of shorts and was suffering mild dehydration.

The police boat escorted the rescue craft  to the sea rescue base and a Netcare 911 ambulance was dispatched to further evaluate the medical condition of the man.

“The man was taken to the Table Bay Port Police Station and is still in police custody. The operation was completed at 1.30 am.

“The man, who speaks good English, told NSRI rescuers he was from Jobey in Libya, and that he boarded the ship in Ghana as a stowaway. He claimed he was unaware where the ship was headed.

“Police are investigating and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation have been informed.”

(edited)

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