Twelve Nigerians have been rescued after a Nigerian-flagged tugboat, LEO, sank in South African waters late Saturday night, leaving one person confirmed dead and five others still missing as search and rescue operations continue.
The vessel, which was carrying 18 persons at the time of the incident, reportedly encountered severe weather conditions and ran aground approximately 18 nautical miles offshore while navigating the stretch of ocean between Cape Town and Durban. The tugboat had earlier travelled to South Africa for repairs and was said to be on its return voyage to Lagos when the tragedy occurred.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vessel was caught in stormy waters before it lost stability and eventually sank. Maritime authorities in South Africa responded swiftly after receiving distress signals, deploying rescue teams to the scene despite challenging sea conditions. Twelve crew members were successfully pulled from the water, while one fatality has been confirmed. Five other occupants remain unaccounted for.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, confirmed that South African transportation authorities notified the Federal Government about the incident. She stated that the South African Maritime Safety Authority coordinated emergency response efforts and is continuing search operations in collaboration with other relevant agencies to locate the missing individuals.
According to the minister, the rescued Nigerians are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials of the Nigerian High Commission are making arrangements to receive them and provide necessary consular assistance. Medical evaluations and other immediate support are expected to be provided to ensure their wellbeing following the ordeal at sea.
She expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation. The government, she said, remains in constant communication with South African authorities to obtain updates on the ongoing search efforts and to ensure that all possible measures are taken to find the missing crew members.
Maritime incidents of this nature often pose significant rescue challenges due to unpredictable weather patterns, strong currents, and limited visibility, particularly during night-time operations. Authorities have indicated that search and rescue teams will continue combing the area in hopes of locating the remaining five persons.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about maritime safety, especially for vessels navigating long international routes and operating under adverse weather conditions. As investigations commence to determine the exact cause of the sinking, officials are expected to examine factors such as sea conditions, vessel integrity, and navigational circumstances at the time of the accident.
Meanwhile, families of the affected crew members are anxiously awaiting further updates as rescue efforts persist. The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting the victims and their families and ensuring that all necessary diplomatic and humanitarian assistance is provided throughout the process.
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