The search and rescue operation for the five missing crew members who were on board the tugboat Leo, which sank about 80 nautical miles from Mossel Bay on Saturday has officially been suspended, reports the George Herald.

According to a statement issued by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) the search and rescue was suspended on Monday, following an extensive multi-agency effort.

“Five crew members remain missing, despite extensive surface and aerial search operations conducted since the first mayday distress call was received,” read the statement.

A total of 18 crew members were on board the tugboat, now confirmed to have been a Nigerian vessel, at the time of the incident.

The Leo is believed to have travelled to South Africa for repairs and was on its way back to Nigeria when it encountered challenging sea conditions.

Samsa’s latest update states that 12 surviving crew members were transported to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, where they have received medical attention and support.

The death of one crew member has since been confirmed by the South African Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa. 

“A navigation warning will remain active, advising mariners transiting the area of potential debris, the last-known position of the sunken vessel, and the presence of unrecovered life-rafts,” read the statement.

“Mariners are requested to continue reporting any sightings of debris, pollution, or persons in the water to Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre of Cape Town or Cape Town Radio,” the statement read.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.