12 rescued, 1 dead as Nigerian boat sinks off South Africa

South African authorities have rescued 12 crew members from a Nigerian tugboat that sank in the country’s waters, while one person has been confirmed dead and five others remain missing.

The vessel, identified as LEO, was carrying 18 persons when it ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore under severe storm conditions between Cape Town and Durban late Saturday night.

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The tugboat had reportedly travelled to South Africa for repairs and was en route back to Lagos when the incident occurred.

Confirming the development on Monday,
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the South African Ministry of Transportation officially notified the Federal Government of the accident and the ongoing rescue efforts.

According to her, the South African Maritime Safety Authority promptly initiated emergency operations, leading to the rescue of 12 crew members.

“However, one fatality has been recorded, while search teams continue efforts to locate the remaining five missing persons.

“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority has also confirmed that the rescued crew members are being conveyed to Port Elizabeth, where officials of the Nigeria High Commission are on their way to receive them”, the minister stated.

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She added that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure that survivors receive necessary medical attention and consular support.