The search for 11 missing fishermen has been called off due to unfavourable weather conditions and a lack of sightings, authorities confirmed.
Forestry department confirms search for 11 missing fishermen called off
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy expressed deep sadness upon receiving the news that the search for the 11 missing fishermen has been called off.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town, which led the search and rescue operation, concluded that continuing the search was no longer viable due to the continuous lack of sightings and adverse weather conditions.
Minister Creecy extended her sincere condolences to the families of the 11 crew members who are now presumed deceased.
“I understand that the families of the bereaved fishermen have been informed that the search has been called off and that they are receiving professional counselling and support, and appropriate counselling will be given to the other fishermen who survived this incident,” said Minister Creecy.
The decision to call off the search came after a comprehensive review of the search progression and efforts, which included coordination with various stakeholders and organisations.
Despite the extensive air and sea search operations, there were no signs of the missing fishermen. The unfavourable weather conditions, with 3 to 4-meter sea swells and 10 to 15-knot winds, further complicated the search efforts.
How rescuers responded to the incident
The incident began on Friday, 17 May 2024, at 15:40 when NSRI Hout Bay and NSRI Table Bay duty crews were activated following reports of a fishing vessel sinking approximately 30 nautical miles off the Atlantic Seaboard.
A Mayday distress call was intercepted by Telkom Maritime Radio Services at 15:30 and relayed to nearby vessels.
At least five fishing vessels responded and reached the search area, where they located and recovered nine out of the 20 local fishermen from a life raft.
The nine survivors, who were not injured, were brought to the Port of Table Bay aboard a fellow fishing vessel and placed under the care of their fishing company.
The rescue operation saw the deployment of multiple resources, including the NSRI rescue crafts Nadine Gordimer, Albie Matthews, and DHL Deliverer.
Various agencies, such as the SA Police Services, Police Sea Borderline Control, SAPS WPDS, WC Government Health EMS, Disaster Risk Management, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Marine Unit, were placed on alert.
Additionally, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Port of Table Bay Port Control and NSRI duty controllers assisted the MRCC in logistics and coordination.
An AGA helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft joined the search operation.
Despite these extensive efforts, including air and sea searches, no signs of the 11 missing fishermen were found, leading to the decision to call off the search.