A Nigerian tugboat, LEO, has sunk off the South African coastline in turbulent waters, leaving one crew member confirmed dead, five missing and 12 others rescued in an ongoing emergency response.
The vessel, which had reportedly travelled to South Africa for repairs, was said to be returning to Lagos with 18 persons onboard when it encountered severe storm conditions about 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban late Saturday night. Rough seas reportedly forced the tug aground before it eventually sank.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the incident on Monday, stating that South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian government.
According to her, one fatality has been recorded, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing for five crew members who remain unaccounted for.
“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” she said, noting that the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is coordinating rescue efforts.
She added that survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials of the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them and provide consular assistance.
Maritime sources indicate that the coastal corridor between Cape Town and Durban is known for volatile weather patterns and heavy swells, conditions that can pose significant risks to vessels, particularly those navigating after mechanical servicing.
While rescue efforts continue, attention is expected to turn to the vessel’s seaworthiness, the severity of the storm and whether distress signals were transmitted in time to facilitate rapid intervention.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is working with local authorities to support survivors and liaise with families of those onboard, as concern grows over the missing crew members.
Further updates are expected as search operations progress and investigative findings emerge.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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