South African authorities have confirmed the rescue of 12 crew members from a Nigerian tugboat that sank off the country’s coast late Saturday night.
One person has been confirmed dead, while five others remain missing.
The tugboat, identified as LEO, had 18 people on board. It reportedly traveled to South Africa for repairs but ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore in stormy waters between Cape Town and Durban during its return voyage to Lagos.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the incident Monday. She said the South African Ministry of Transportation formally notified Nigerian officials.
In a statement issued in Abuja by her aide Magnus Eze, she confirmed that survivors are being taken to Port Elizabeth.
“The South African Maritime Safety Authority has informed that survivors are presently being conveyed to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigeria High Commission are on their way to receive them,” the statement read.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing crew members.
Further details are expected as recovery efforts continue.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
