Pretoria: 25 March 2024

An all out search for a group of about six (6) people believed to be missing at sea about 100km west of Cape Town in the Atlantic Ocean after their Rhib ran out of fuel, is currently underway, with at least two vessels Fisheries vessels deployed on Monday afternoon to assist, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) confirmed.

In a statement, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), based at SAMSA Centre for Seawatch and Response, reports that on Sunday around noon it was notified of an overdue eight (8) meter RHIB, light gray in color, with six (6) persons onboard.

“The craft had reportedly run out of fuel and provided a Last Known Position (LKP) of approximately 100km south-west from Cape Point light as reported late Saturday afternoon.

“Telkom Maritime Radio was requested by MRCC Cape Town to issue a MAYDAY Relay wherein vessels were requested to report sightings of the overdue craft. Unfortunately, due to the distance of the estimated Search Area from shore, MRCC Cape Town could not task resources, and relied on vessel of opportunity as identified on the SAMSA Automated Identification System (AIS).

“The MT HYUNDAI PRINCE  and the FV ALLISON were requested to divert to the LKP. Unfortunately nothing was found. MRCC Cape Town suspended search efforts due to nightfall.

“Search and Rescue efforts continued from early this (Monday) morning. An updated Search Area of approximately 6,296.8 kmsq was developed, and the Fisheries Patrol vessel RUTH FIRST and ELLEN KHUZWAYO were requested to assist. Both vessels shall commence search by late this afternoon.

“The MAYDAY Relay has been updated with the current estimated search area, requesting vessels to assist in finding the overdue craft, and for responding vessels to report to the On-scene Coordinator vessel  RUTH FIRST,” said the MRCC Cape Town.

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