The MFV Lepanto, a vessel within Sea Harvest’s viking fishing division, sank, causing the fishermen to go missing.
The vessel sank around 35 nautical miles offshore from Hout Bay on Friday afternoon. Nine fishermen have been rescued, while 11 others are still missing at sea, according to officials.
“I understand that the families of the bereaved fishermen have been informed that the search has been called off and that they are receiving professional counselling and support, and appropriate counselling will be given to the other fishermen who survived this incident,” said Creecy.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town, working together with other stakeholders, led the search and rescue (SAR) operation.
Investigation team established
“A review of the search progression, the search efforts, the continuous lack of sighting reports from the incident start, and the unfavourable weather led the MRCC to conclude the SAR effort,” Creecy explained.
The minister has since welcomed the appointment of the casualty investigation team by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa).
“The investigation will determine the cause of the sinking and ensure that all safety protocols were followed,” she said.
Sea Harvest reported that nine out of the 20 crew members who were on board the vessel were rescued and arrived safely on Friday night in Cape Town aboard the MFV Armana, another vessel from the group that was in the area at the time of the distress call.
The men were reunited with their families after a physical evaluation by a medical doctor and were provided with trauma counselling.
The company’s top priority, according to Sea Harvest CEO Felix Ratheb, is to ensure the safety of its employees while they are at sea.
Establishing the cause of the accident
“We have been in ongoing contact with the families, with a senior team and a counsellor visiting each family of the missing men today,” said Ratheb.
“We will continue to support them, as well as the rescued men and their families.
“We are also providing updates and counselling for our broader employee base, as this has been extremely upsetting and sad for all of us.”
According to Ratheb, the company is working closely with the relevant authorities, primarily Samsa, to establish the cause of the accident.
“We wish to thank our employees and the rescue organisations for their active search and rescue operations since Friday,” he said.
Creecy has since asked the South Africans to keep the bereaved families in their thoughts and prayers. – SAnews.gov.za
