Fire causes crew to abandon vessel

SAMSA launched investigation into incident

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is investigating an incident that resulted in the successful evacuation of 21 crewmembers from a fishing vessel that caught fire and grounded near Cape Recife Lighthouse off Port Elizabeth yesterday.

The incident on the fishing vessel FV Silver Dorado was first reported to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at approximately 18:00, and by 22:30 the vessel had grounded in a rocky area near Cape Recife.

At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying approximately 14 tonnes of diesel fuel, 100 litres of lubricants, and eight 19kg LPG gas cylinders. No fish cargo was onboard.

Following the incident, instructions were issued for the appointment of a professional salvaging team to manage firefighting and recovery operations. Measures were taken to contain potential pollution risks. Cargo checks confirmed hazardous substances onboard, including LPG cylinders.

A navigation warning was issued, and drift modelling was initiated to monitor the vessel’s movement. Weather forecasts are being reviewed, and contingency plans are in place including the possible deployment of additional support vessels.

The vessel’s insurance cover was confirmed, and SAMSA is working closely with relevant stakeholders, including TNPA, NSRI, Department of Transport and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, to ensure compliance with maritime safety and pollution prevention regulations.

Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds SANCCOB is on-site and actively monitoring the area for any signs of affected seabirds. At this stage, the pollution risk is unknown.  

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