MOSSEL BAY — A tragic Mossel Bay maritime incident has resulted in the recovery of three bodies and left two crew members missing after a fast rescue boat capsized in rough seas. The Department of Transport confirmed the fatal accident involving the uMkhuseli Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV), which took place approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast.
The severe event unfolded on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, amid highly inclement weather conditions. According to official reports, the initial emergency began when a crew member was pulled overboard while handling a mooring line on the uMkhuseli, a vessel managed by AMSOL on behalf of the Department of Transport.
In response to the man-overboard situation, a fast rescue boat was immediately dispatched to assist. However, the rescue vessel capsized in the rough seas with four crew members on board. Following the capsizing, three bodies have been successfully recovered, while search efforts continue for the two crew members who remain missing.
Due to rapidly deteriorating weather and sea conditions, the search operation was temporarily paused overnight before resuming early Thursday morning.
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader maritime industry. Highlighting the bravery of the response teams, Creecy commended the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) volunteers and all vessels that answered the distress call. She also noted that a helicopter equipped with winch capabilities was dispatched from Cape Town to bolster the search and rescue efforts under highly difficult conditions.
Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa echoed the sentiments of mourning while pivoting to the broader implications of the tragedy. He emphasized that the safety of seafarers remains a core priority for the government, noting that the department will continue to strictly monitor compliance with safety measures across all maritime operations.
In the aftermath of the Mossel Bay maritime incident, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is set to commence a preliminary investigation to determine the exact causes of the capsizing and the initial man-overboard event. Meanwhile, the African Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is actively providing logistical and emotional support to the affected families and crew members.
