The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is closely observing the ongoing developments in the Middle East concerning the rerouting of merchant vessels around the Good Hope.

SAMSA, as the country’s designated authority for maritime safety and environmental protection, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and assessing its potential impact on global shipping routes. Through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town, the Maritime Domain Awareness is on high alert to support the high-volume traffic. SAMSA anticipates a possible increase in maritime traffic along the South African coastline and the MRCC is well-positioned to monitor the movement of merchant vessels in real time.

The Safety Authority calls on ship operators to remain vigilant and stresses the importance of relying on verified, authoritative maritime safety information when making operational decisions.

“We stand fully prepared to support all vessels choosing to navigate past our coastline thereby providing the right of innocent passage as per The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said SAMSA’s CEO, Captain Dennis Mqadi. “We remain ready to provide navigational guidance, maritime domain awareness updates, and safety information to ensure secure and efficient passage for all ships.”

SAMSA reaffirms its commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety within South African waters. “We will continue working collaboratively with national departments, regional partners, and global maritime bodies to ensure that South Africa remains a safe, reliable, and strategically important route for international shipping,” said Mqadi.

For further information, please contact:
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)
Email: mediaenquiries@samsa.org.za

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) hereby confirms that the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the tug LEO, which sank approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay was officially suspended at sunset yesterday 2 March 2026 following an extensive multi-agency effort.

A total of 18 crew members were on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The verified status of the crew is as follows:

• 12 Surviving crew members have been safely disembarked in Port of Port Elizabeth, where they have received medical attention and support. 9 of the above crew members were rescued by a container vessel Maersk Karachi and the other 3 were rescued by RoRo vessel Grand Hero.
• 1 deceased crew member has been recovered, with formal identification underway in collaboration with relevant authorities. The deceased body was recovered by Fishing Vessel Boronia and subsequently landed in the port of Port Elizabeth.
• 5 crew members remain missing, despite extensive surface and aerial search operations conducted since the first MAYDAY distress call was received.

Throughout the operation, multiple vessels and air assets were deployed to support the SAR mission under the coordination of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town.

A navigation warning will remain active, advising mariners transiting the area of potential debris, the last‑known position of the sunken vessel, and the presence of unrecovered life‑rafts. Mariners are requested to continue reporting any sightings of debris, pollution, or persons in the water to MRCC Cape Town or Cape Town Radio.

SAMSA acknowledges the dedication of all partner agencies and vessels (Maersk Karachi, RoRo vessel Grand Hero and Fishing Vessel Boronia) who worked tirelessly under challenging conditions, including strong winds, high swells, and limited visibility. The Authority, together with the South African Search and Rescue Organisation (SASAR), extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased crew member and its deepest sympathies to the families of the five seafarers who remain missing during this difficult time.

Further updates will be provided as new verified information emerges.

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.

TO ALL REGIONAL MANAGERS, PRINCIPAL OFFICERS, SHIP SURVEYORS, NAVAL ARCHITECTS, PORT AUTHORITIES, VESSEL OWNERS AND OPERATORS, VESSEL MANAGERS, SEAFARERS, FISHERS AND OTHER INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will be holding Stakeholder Consultations on the Draft Maritime Regulations from 26 January 2026 until 26 February 2026 in various locations.

A Marine Information Notice was issued to provide details regarding locations, venues, dates and times for the planned upcoming stakeholder consultations on Draft Merchant Shipping Regulations published in the Government Gazette on 24 December 2025.

The complete Marine Information Notice can be found on the following link https://www.samsa.org.za/api/api/File/view/1aRF2OYJ99y3eORlvTk%2B2Q%3D%3D

The full programme for the session can be found here https://blog.samsa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FV-Stakeholder-consultation.pdf

All queries to be directed to Mr Lufuno Mudau at Lmudau@samsa.org.za

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is proud to have witnessed the re-election of South Africa to the IMO Council under Category (C) with the leadership of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

Category (C) is dedicated to States that have special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

South Africa had previously been a member of the council for 22 years since 1999 but was however out of the council since 2021 after not being re-elected to the council.

It is important to note that South Africa is the only country in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region elected to the IMO Council.

“This position guarantees the voice for the region in the global maritime platform. South Africa’s strategic maritime location, notably the Cape Sea Route also plays a vital role in facilitating maritime traffic, especially when alternative routes such as the Suez Canal are disrupted.” said Hlengwa

Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa expressed their gratitude to all the member states that supported South Africa’s candidature and ultimately voting in favour of the country.

The newly elected Council will meet for its 136th session on Thursday, 04 December and will elect its Chair and Vice-Chair for the next biennium.

It was a busy week in Durban for The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) as our New CEO, Captain Dennis Mqadi hit the floor running since joining SAMSA. He participated in various committee and EXCO sessions as part of his onboarding programme.

The SAMSA leadership, consisting of Board Members and the Executive Committee were there to welcome him. “We are excited to welcome Captain Mqadi to SAMSA,” said Mr Mahesh Fakir, Chairperson of the SAMSA Board. “His extensive experience and proven leadership in the maritime sector will be invaluable as we continue our mission in ensuring the safety and sustainability of South Africa’s maritime industry.”

Captain Mqadi expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honoured to join SAMSA at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working with the team to advance our strategic goals and enhance our impact on the maritime industry.”

SAMSA is very pleased to have onboard a seasoned maritime professional ready to steer the organisation towards new horizons with vision, purpose, and steady leadership.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Dennis Mqadi as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November, 2025.

This appointment marks the end of an extended vacancy in the position, and SAMSA is confident that Capt. Mqadi will lead the organisation with distinction and vision.

Capt. Mqadi brings a wealth of experience to SAMSA, having served in various strategic roles within the maritime industry. Most recently, he was the Port Manager at the Port of Richards Bay, where he excelled in overseeing key operational and regulatory functions. His tenure with the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) since 1997 has equipped him with extensive expertise in port management and regulatory oversight.

Throughout his career, Capt. Mqadi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to innovation and safety in maritime operations. His notable accomplishments include managing strategic projects and enhancing operational structures at several major South African ports.

Capt. Mqadi holds a Master of Business Administration from the Milpark Business School, a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a National Ports Diploma from North Kent College (United Kingdom), among other qualifications.

His academic and professional background underscores his suitability in steering SAMSA towards achieving its strategic objectives.

It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the launch of the revamped, refreshed, and redefined SAMSA website, a bold step forward in our journey to becoming a Model Maritime Safety Authority.

It took months of dedication, creativity, and teamwork across all SAMSA units to create. The new website embraces the rapid evolution of technology that will allow it to be accessible, easy to use, and most of all assist our stakeholders, including seafarers, fishers and the larger maritime fraternity in getting the information they need.

This is one of the first of many visible changes we will see this year as SAMSA continues to readjust and reposition itself-not only for efficiency, but for ergonomic excellence. It is a symbol of our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and stakeholder-centric service.

Go to https://www.samsa.org.za/ and join us as we usher in the new digital face of SAMSA and steer Towards a Model Maritime Safety Authority!

Seafarers spend long stretches isolated at sea, away from loved ones. That’s why safe, welcoming shore-based seafarer facilities matter.

Recently, SAMSA visited the Richards Bay Seafarers Centre and the Durban Seafarers Mission that are spaces meant to be a home away from home for seafarers which offer much more than just rest – they provide connection, comfort, and community. These centres are equipped with chapels and prayer rooms to game rooms and spaces for outdoor activities.

These facilities serve all seafarers – regardless of nationality or religion with open hearts and open doors.

The SAMSA team who visited the Richards Bay Seafarers Centre comprised of Mr Sibusiso Rantsoabe (Manager: OHS & Maritime Welfare Manager), Ms Nonhlanhla Mjweni (Marine OHS Specialist) and Mr Thibedi Mbaya (Maritime Welfare Officer). They were welcomed at the centre by Ms Wilma Thompson and Port Chaplain Mark Classen.

Mr Rantsoabe and Mr Mbaya went on to visit the Durban Seafarers Mission and were welcomed by the Mission’s Manager Mr Brian Isaac, Resident Chaplain Wayne Meyer and Port Chaplain Dr Forbes Maupa.

Productive conversations during these visits focused on:
– Strengthening welfare offerings
– Navigating future demands
– Legislative updates & funding
– Deepening collaboration with dedicated chaplains and volunteers

SAMSA celebrates the vital role these missions play and the passionate teams behind them. We remain committed to expanding and sustaining seafarer welfare facilities across all South African ports.

#SeafarerWelfare #SAMSA #SAMSAAtWork #MaritimeSupport #SafeSpaceforSeafarers #TogetherForSeafarers The Mission to Seafarers

This year, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) decided to shake things up a bit and get SAMSA staff involved in packing meal packs for communities in need in line with the theme “It is in your hands”, which reminds us that combating poverty and inequity is everyone’s responsibility!

The fun filled SAMSA staff activation demonstrates how our employees, who are the heart of the entity, contribute to meaningful social change.

We are proud to have partnered with Rise Against Hunger, an NGO that specialises in food aid programs. This partnership reflects the true spirit of collective responsibility, demonstrating how strategic collaborations can lead to lasting community impact.

Make Every Day A Mandela Day!