Search for six lost at sea continues

Small boat runs out of fuel in Atlantic Ocean

SOUTH AFRICA: The South African Maritime Safety Authority yesterday confirmed that a search has been initiated for a group of six people believed to be at sea about 100km west of Cape Town in the Atlantic Ocean after their RIB ran out of fuel.

The Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) was alerted to the potential problem on Sunday when the eight metre RIB failed to return from sea having provided a Last Known Position (LKP) of approximately 100km south-west from Cape Point light as reported late Saturday afternoon.

Two vessels in the area, MT Hyundai Prince and the FV Allison, were requested to divert to the LKP, but were not able to locate the small boat and MRCC Cape Town was forced to suspend the search efforts due to nightfall.

The search efforts were renewed yesterday and 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.

“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.

Fire highlights need for improved offshore safety Small vessel safety a focus for maritime authority