Nigerian Tugboat Sinks off South Africa, One Dead, 12 Rescued

Nigerian Tugboat Sinks off South Africa, One Dead, 12 Rescued

Twelve people were rescued after a Nigerian tugboat sank off the South African coast late Saturday night, while one person died and five others remain missing, authorities confirmed on Monday.

The vessel, identified as LEO, was carrying 18 people when it ran into trouble about 18 nautical miles offshore, between Cape Town and Durban. The tugboat had reportedly been in South Africa for repairs and was en route back to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the update, citing information received from South African authorities.

“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” she said.

According to the minister, the South African Maritime Safety Authority promptly launched rescue operations. Survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are coordinating support and assistance.

“The South African Maritime Safety Authority has also informed that survivors are presently being conveyed to Port Elizabeth, where Nigerian officials are on their way to receive them,” the minister added.

While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, rough weather conditions are suspected to have played a role in the tugboat’s grounding. Search and rescue operations for the remaining five missing persons are ongoing.

Nigerian diplomatic teams in South Africa are working closely with local authorities to ensure the rescued crew members receive necessary care, while authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the sinking. Further updates are expected as recovery efforts proceed.