18 October 2001
The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar is awaiting a full report from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) on the vessel, The Southern Reaper (vessel in distress) which sunk with nineteen (19) people on board at St Francis Bay Harbour on 16 October 2001.
According to a preliminary report to the Minister, The vessel capsized approximately 300m offshore. The May Day was heard at 14H00 and the NSRI (National Search & Rescue Institute) was notified immediately.
The PE Port Control was responsible for coordinating the operations. The NSRI station 21 was involved in the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation and responded immediately on the distress call of the Southern Reaper. Because of the extreme weather, it was dangerous to get close to the vessel.
Another vessel, the African Venture, was in the area and rescued eight (8) people. Two (2) crewmen swam ashore. A police helicopter was searching for other survivors in the area and later during the day, a body was sighted in the rough weather.
The vessel was washed on the rocks and was inspected by a diver, no bodies were found inside the vessel.
The search continued throughout yesterday and a helicopter chartered by the fishing company, owner of the vessel, was assisting. No more survivors or bodies were sighted and the search was called off at the last light. Eight (8) bodies are still missing.
Investigations are conducted by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to find out the cause of the accident.
Minister Omar conveyed his sympathies and support to the families of the missing crew members. "Our prayers are with families and relatives of the crew members. Every effort will be made to find all those who are still missing," Minister Omar said.
ISSUED BY
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT