Abuja: A maritime tragedy unfolded off South Africa’s coast. The Nigerian tugboat LEO sank in turbulent waters late on Saturday.
One crew member was confirmed dead. Five remain missing. Twelve others were rescued in a swift emergency response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the development in Abuja. She said South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian government.
According to her, one fatality has been recorded. Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for the five crew members who remain unaccounted for.
“The South African Ministry of Transportation informed us,” the minister said. She added that the South African Maritime Safety Authority is leading rescues.
She disclosed that survivors were being transported to Port Elizabeth. Officials from the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them and provide consular support.
The vessel, carrying 18 people, ran aground 18 nautical miles offshore. This occurred between Cape Town and Durban due to stormy weather.
The vessel had travelled to South Africa for repairs and was returning to Lagos with 18 people onboard when it encountered a severe storm off the South African coast.
Maritime sources noted the southern corridor between Cape Town and Durban is known for sudden weather changes and heavy swells.
These conditions can quickly overwhelm vessels, particularly those navigating after mechanical servicing.
The immediate focus is on locating missing crew members. Questions may arise about the vessel’s seaworthiness, storm intensity, and whether distress signals were sent in time for rescue.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is working closely with local authorities to support survivors. It is also liaising with families back home as anxiety mounts over the fate of the missing.
As search operations continue amid unpredictable seas, the incident underscores persistent risks for maritime operators on volatile shipping routes.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers at sea, as South African authorities continue rescue efforts and investigate the tragedy.
