NSRI
The search for 11 fishermen missing at sea off-shore the Atlantic Seabord near Hout Bay in Cape Town has been called off.
On Friday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) received a Mayday distress call after a fishing vessel "MFV Lepanto" sunk.
Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said during the distress call at least five vessels reached the search area and recovered nine men on a life raft.
He said the survivors were not injured and brought to the Port of Table Bay during the night.
It has since been established that the men worked for Sea Harvest who expressed their shock following the tragic sinking and loss of life.
The CEO of Sea Harvest Felix Ratheb, said keeping staff safe at sea was their key priority and as a company, they are devastated by the tragedy.
He said they are in ongoing contact with the families and offering counselling.
Ratheb said they are working closely with relevant authorities, primarily the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to establish the cause of the accident as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy expressed her deep sadness when she heard that the search for the missing men was called off.
She welcomed the investigation by SAMSA to determine the cause of the sinking and ensure that all safety protocols were followed.
