Eleven fishermen are missing at sea after their vessel sank 30 nautical miles off the coast of Hout Bay, prompting a massive search operation.
Also read: Fisherman deceased, two survived in boating accident at Cape Point
The NSRI said in a statement on Saturday that a mayday call was intercepted on Friday afternoon, prompting rescue craft and other fishing vessels to respond.
Nine crewmen were rescued from a life raft and brought to shore safely.
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‘Despite an extensive air and sea search, there remains no signs of 11 missing fishermen and a search operation is ongoing,’ the NSRI said.
‘Thoughts and care are with the fishermen’s families and the fishing company in this difficult time.’
The body stated that the vessel was believed to have sunk, but the cause of the water ingress was unknown.
When the distress call was received, five nearby fishing vessels responded, along with an NSRI rescue boat.
On Saturday, fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter joined the search, and maritime traffic was advised to keep an eye out.
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Also read:
NSRI rescues 22 fishermen from sinking vessel off Cape Town coast
Picture: NSRI
