Supplied
An extensive search is continuing for missing KZN charter boat skipper, John Matambu after his vessel, MAGNUM TOO, was found wrecked and “extensively” burnt out out in the vicinity of Dobela on the Mozambique coast.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said there were no signs of the skipper or the unidentified man who reportedly chartered the fishing vessel on Saturday.
In an earlier statement, he said that the vessel, a 21-foot Yeld Cat ski-boat, was meant to return to Sodwana Bay that afternoon.
Concern turned to the alarm being sounded about possible foul play when the well-known skipper, uncharacteristically failed to report in or return to Sodwana.
"It appears that the individual/s who chartered the boat may have provided false information as to their identity (this is not confirmed and may be a misunderstanding) - after arriving in the Sodwana Bay area, reportedly, on a motorbike," the statement said.
In a statement on Sunday, Lambinon said law enforcement agencies were on the scene investigating.
“There remains no signs of the skipper John Matambu or an as yet unidentified man who reportedly chartered the fishing vessel.
Both men remain missing in unknown circumstances.
Thoughts are with the family and colleagues of Matambu in this difficult time,” he said.
Lambinon said it remains unknown what happened that led to the vessel beaching and found to be completely burnt out.
Police and Law Enforcement, Security agencies, and maritime authorities are continuing an extensive search and investigations to try to locate the two missing men and piece together what has transpired.
