The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar, extends his condolences to families of fishermen who lost their lives in the recent sea disaster off the Eastern Coast on board Palli HJA Mariannu.
Whilst all hope to find any of the remaining men alive faded, and the search and rescue operation called off, Minister Omar responded to pleas by the families and next of kin for the air search to continue for one final day. Minister Omar wishes the anguished families strength in the difficult days facing them. "May I also take this opportunity to record my appreciation to the members of the search and rescue teams who responded to my appeal to extend the search for one more day", the Minister said. "The look-out for survivors must continue and every attempt must be made to recover those who did not survive", the Minister added
Captain Gary Walsh assisted by Mr Greg Dirksen and the South African Maritime Safety Authority surveyors have been appointed to hold preliminary enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Issued by: Mike Mabasa, Corporate Communications: (012) 309 3162.
Fax: (012) 324 2312, cell: 083 680 7048,
email: mabasam@ndot.pwv.gov.za
28 July 1999