Umkhuseli tragedy: Names of five seafarers caught in Mossel Bay tug disaster revealed - IOL

The tug Umkhuseli, which was involved in the fatal incident that has claimed the lives of three AMSOL seafarers.

The names of the seafarers involved in the tug Umkhuseli tragedy in the Western Cape have been made known. 

On Wednesday, September 30, five people were thrown overboard when the tug Umkhuseli capsized approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay in adverse weather conditions.

While the active search and rescue operation has been concluded, one of African Marine Solutions’ (AMSOL) vessels remains on site and continues to monitor the area. 

The bodies of Second Officer Akhona Mlaba, Fourth Engineer Simphiwe Simayi, and Able Seafarer Ditaba Leoto have since been recovered. 

The search for Oiler Zolile Milbaziso and Able Seafarer Sibonile Qalani continues. 

The seafarers were employed by AMSOL.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said the preliminary information indicates that the incident began when a crew member reportedly fell overboard while working on deck. 

In response, a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) carrying four crew members was launched from the vessel to recover the individual. The FRB subsequently capsized, resulting in a total of five persons entering the water.

The Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town activated a coordinated search and rescue response, mobilising maritime and aviation resources.

Vessels in the vicinity were diverted to assist, with support from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) water wing and helicopter resources.

“Following a comprehensive assessment of the search and rescue operation and consideration of all available information, the active search and rescue was concluded,” SAMSA said. 

AMSOL’s Chief Executive,  Dan Ngakane, expressed his condolences to the affected families.

“We have been in direct contact with the families of all five affected seafarers and are providing them with support and regular updates as confirmed information becomes available. Our thoughts are with family members, loved ones and the entire AMSOL community during this extremely challenging time,” Ngakane said. 

He said both internal and external investigations have commenced.