Three crew members have died following a maritime incident involving an emergency towing vessel off Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, the Department of Transport has confirmed.
Two other crew members remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue following the incident, which occurred in difficult weather conditions.
The department has conveyed its condolences to the families of those who died and to the wider maritime community.
Crew Member Swept Overboard During Mooring Operation
The incident happened on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, approximately 40 nautical miles off Mossel Bay.
According to the Department of Transport, the uMkhuseli Emergency Towing Vessel, managed by AMSOL on behalf of the department, was operating in inclement weather when a crew member was pulled overboard while handling a mooring line.
A search and rescue operation was immediately launched following the emergency.
Rescue Boat Capsizes in Rough Seas
The rescue operation was complicated when a fast rescue boat sent to assist the crew member capsized in rough seas.
Four crew members were aboard the rescue boat at the time.
Three bodies have since been recovered, while the search continues for two people who remain unaccounted for.
The search was temporarily suspended overnight because of worsening weather conditions before resuming on Thursday morning.
Multiple Responders Join Search Operation
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy praised the vessels and rescue personnel that responded after the distress call.
She also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers from the National Sea Rescue Institute, who participated in the operation under challenging conditions.
A helicopter equipped with winching capabilities was also deployed from Cape Town to assist with the search and rescue effort.
Families Receive Support After Fatal Incident
The Department of Transport said its focus had also shifted towards supporting the families of the deceased and the crew members affected by the incident.
AMSOL is providing assistance to the families and affected personnel as authorities work to establish exactly what happened.
The department expressed its condolences to those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
Maritime Safety Investigation to Begin
The South African Maritime Safety Authority will conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident.
The probe is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the man-overboard incident, the rescue attempt and the subsequent capsizing of the fast rescue boat.
The findings could help determine whether any safety procedures or operational factors contributed to the tragedy.
Government Reaffirms Focus on Seafarer Safety
Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the safety of seafarers remained a central priority for the government.
He said the Department of Transport would continue monitoring maritime operations and the implementation and compliance of safety measures.
With two crew members still missing, the search remains ongoing as authorities and rescue teams continue working in difficult offshore conditions.
