(Edited by Bev Mortimer) –
Nine fishermen were rescued after local fishing vessels located and recovered the survivors on a life raft. The search operation is ongoing for the 11 missing fishermen.
The survivors are not injured and they were brought to the Port of Table Bay aboard a fishing vessel last night and are in the care of their fishing company. The reason for the sinking is unknown at this stage.
The NSRI says a Mayday distress call, intercepted by Telkom Maritime Radio Services at 3.30 pm was relayed to vessels in the area. NSRI Hout Bay duty crew and NSRI Table Bay duty crew were activated following reports of the sinking vessel at 3.40 pm. The NSRI Hout Bay rescue craft Nadine Gordimer and Albie Matthews, and an NSRI Table Bay rescue craft, DHL Deliverer, were launched.
The SAPS, Police Sea Borderline Control, Water Policing and Diving Services (SAPS WPDS ), WC Government Health EMS Metro Control and rescue squad, Disaster Risk Management, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine Unit were placed on alert. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Port of Table Bay Port Control and NSRI duty controllers assisted MRCC in the logistics and coordination of the search and rescue operation.
Telkom Maritime Radio Services assisted with marine VHF radio communications and an all ships alert continues to be broadcast requesting vessels in the area to keep a sharp lookout.
Three NSRI rescue craft arrived in the search area and joined at least five fishing vessels in an extensive search operation for the missing fishermen in 3-4 meter sea swells and 10-15 knot winds. Both life rafts, of the casualty fishing vessel, were recovered.
An AGA (Aerios Global Aviation) helicopter and fixed wing aircraft joined in the search operation.
The NSRI says thoughts and care are with the fishermen’s families and the fishing company in this difficult time.
St Francis Chronicle 