A Nigerian tugboat has sunk off the coast of South Africa, leaving one crew member dead, 12 rescued, and five others still missing as authorities continue search and rescue operations.
The vessel, identified as LEO, reportedly had 18 people on board when it ran aground in rough waters late Saturday night while travelling back to Nigeria.
The tugboat had earlier sailed to South Africa for maintenance and repairs before the accident occurred during its return voyage to Lagos.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, South African authorities notified the Nigerian government about the incident shortly after the accident was reported.
In an official statement issued in Abuja, the minister confirmed that one crew member lost his life while 12 others were successfully rescued from the sinking vessel.
The rescued crew members are currently being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are expected to receive and assist them.
Search operations are still ongoing for the five crew members who remain missing.
South Africa’s maritime authorities, including the South African Maritime Safety Authority, are coordinating the rescue and recovery mission in the area where the tugboat sank.
The vessel reportedly encountered stormy sea conditions about 18 nautical miles offshore between the cities of Cape Town and Durban.
Maritime officials believe the severe weather conditions contributed to the accident, although investigations are expected to determine the exact cause of the sinking.
The Nigerian government has also confirmed that diplomatic officials are closely monitoring the situation and working with South African authorities to ensure the safety and support of the rescued crew members.
Further updates are expected as search teams continue efforts to locate the remaining missing crew and recover the vessel.
The tragic maritime incident highlights the dangers faced by seafarers navigating long international routes, particularly in challenging weather conditions along major shipping corridors off the southern coast of Africa.
