SAMSA distances itself from fake advert for SA Agulhas

Listing for sale of SA Agulhas was not authorised

SOUTH AFRICA: The listing of the SA Agulhas on a prominent website for international vessel sales has prompted the current owners, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), to distance itself from the advert and declare that it is indeed fake.

According to industry sources, this is not the first time the fake listing has appeared online, but SAMSA issued a statement today emphasising that “should a decision to dispose of the SA Agulhas be taken, such event shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury guidelines and all applicable prescripts.”

In response to questions sent by Maritime Review, the authority further states that there are no decision has been taken to sell the vessels and they are not aware of any existing potential buyer despite information received from industry sources that negotiations have been underway for some time and that the vessel has been inspected by an interested party.

Although the vessel’s name has been removed in the advert, it is clear from the photo, description and location listed that the posting refers to the SA Agulhas. The advert appears to have been uploaded by an American company based in New York, Lager Maritime Group owned by Robert Lager.

Robert Lager’s website profile highlights the longevity of the company, but not official website seems to exist and he uses a gmail address. We reached out to him for a comment and are awaiting a response.