The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is probing what led to the sinking of the vessel carrying fishermen in Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard.
The search for the remaining eleven crew members was called off on Sunday.
The FV LEPANTO which was carrying 20 fishermen sank on Friday, and fortunately, nine fishers were found unharmed.
The Authority says a review of the search efforts, and the unfavourable weather, led the rescue teams to conclude the search and rescue effort.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment says the 11 crew members are now presumed dead.
SAMSA’s Tebogo Ramatjie says they’re saddened by the incident.
“The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) casualty investigation team will investigate the incident to determine the cause of the sinking and ensure that all safety protocols were followed. The loss of the 11 persons from the LEPANTO, is most regrettable. SAMSA expresses its sincere condolences to the family members, friends, and colleagues of those lost to the sea”.
Picture: The National Sea Rescue Institute
