The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town is coordinating a search and rescue (SAR) operation approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay following a distress incident involving the tug LEO.
At 19:02 local time last night, the vessel transmitted a mayday distress message reporting uncontrolled water ingress and requesting immediate assistance. A mayday relay was subsequently broadcast via Cape Town Radio to alert nearby vessels to render support.
The vessel had 18 crew members on board. The crew abandoned ship into four (4) life‑rafts before the tug sank in the early hours of this morning.
Two merchant vessels and one local fishing vessel remain in the vicinity and continue to assist with search operations. A helicopter has also been deployed to provide aerial support across the search area.
To date, 13 crew members have been accounted for, consisting of 12 survivors, and 1 presumed deceased.
Search operations continue for the five remaining missing crew members.
Prevailing weather conditions in the area remain adverse; however, all available resources continue to be utilised to locate the missing crew.
An Incident Management System (IMS) structure has been activated to support and coordinate the ongoing response effort, ensuring alignment between MRCC, on‑scene resources, and relevant authorities.
SASAR extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and its thoughts remain with all those affected. Further updates will be issued as confirmed information becomes available. Issued by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town on behalf of the South African Search and Rescue Organisation.