By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Twelve Nigerians were rescued on Saturday night after the Nigerian tugboat, LEO, sank in South African waters between Cape Town and Durban, while returning to Lagos from repairs, leaving one person dead and five others missing.
The vessel carried 18 persons when it ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore during stormy weather.
FG Confirms Maritime Incident
The Federal Government confirmed the incident on Monday.
A statement by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disclosed the details.
According to the statement, South African transportation authorities reported the accident shortly after it occurred.
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, said the South African Ministry of Transportation confirmed the rescue of 12 persons.
She also confirmed one fatality. However, five crew members remain missing.
Search and rescue operations continue as authorities intensify efforts to locate them.
Survivors Headed to Port Elizabeth
The South African Maritime Safety Authority informed Nigerian officials that survivors are being conveyed to Port Elizabeth.
Officials of the Nigeria High Commission are on their way to receive them.
Meanwhile, authorities have assured the Federal Government that rescue operations remain active.
Tugboat Was Returning From Repairs
The tugboat had travelled to South Africa for repairs before the voyage back to Lagos.
However, severe weather conditions disrupted its journey. As a result, the vessel ran aground and later sank.
Authorities in both countries continue to monitor the situation closely. Further updates are expected as rescue teams search for the missing crew members.
