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Dead and missing seafarers named
The names of the seafarers who lost their lives in the fatal incident involving the 'Umkhuseli' off the coast of Mossel Bay, have been released by African Marine Solutions’ (Amsol) on Oct 1. Dead or missing were - Simphiwe ‘Simcard’ Simayi, engineer, - Akhona Mlaba, officer, - Ditaba Leoto, able seafarer [AB], - Zolile ‘Ronnie’ Mlibaziso, oiler, - Sibonile Qalani, able seafarer [AB]. Mlaba was from Durban, while Simayi, Leoto, Mlibaziso and Qalani were all from Cape Town. Although the South African Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre’s official active SAR operation was concluded on Oct 1, Amsol’s search-and-recovery operation carried on until Oct 4 at 10:00 a.m. Simayi, Mlaba and Leoto’s bodies were recovered on the day of the incident, while Mlibaziso and Qalani remained missing and presumed deceased.
SAMSA launched enquiry in fatal accident
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has initiated a preliminary enquiry following the fatal incident involving the 'Umkhuseli' which occurred approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay. The enquiry followed the SAR operation coordinated by the MRCC Cape Town. After an extensive search involving both air and surface rescue assets, three bodies were recovered, while two persons remained missing. Preliminary information indicated that the incident began, when a crew member reportedly fell overboard while working on deck. In response, a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) carrying four crew members was launched from the vessel to recover the individual. The FRB subsequently capsized, resulting in a total of five persons entering the water. Immediately following notification of the incident, the MRCC Cape Town activated a coordinated SAR response, mobilising a range of maritime and aviation assets. Vessels in the vicinity were diverted to assist with the search, while rescue efforts were supported by the NSRI and the South African Police Services (SAPS) water wings and helicopter resources.
Three fatalities and two missing in capsize of rescue boat of ETV
An incident 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, involving the 'Umkhulesi', which was serving as a stand-by vessel for PetroSA’s FA Platform, has resulted in the death of three crew members on Sep 30, 2026. Five crew members were involved, one from Durban and four from Cape Town. The tug was dispatched to an emergency off the coast. The incident began, when a crew member fell overboard while working on deck. A Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) carrying four crew members was subsequently launched from the tug to assist in recovering the crew member. The FRB later capsized, sending five people into the water. After being notified of the incident, MRCC Cape Town activated a coordinated search and rescue operation involving maritime and aviation resources. Vessels operating in the area were diverted to assist with the search, while the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) water wings and helicopter resources also supported the operation. After an extensive search involving both air and surface rescue assets, three bodies were recovered. The search was continued by helicopters and boats, and the 'Umkhuseli' remained on the scene. The company’s tug 'Inkanyezi' (IMO: 9324227) also joined the search early on Oct 1. After assessing the SAR operation and considering the available information, the active search has been concluded later the day. The two crew members remained missing and were presumed to have died in the accident. The SAMSA has expressed its condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased seafarers. The authority also thanked the organisations and personnel involved in the operation, including crews of assisting vessels, aviation crews, rescue personnel and staff at MRCC Cape Town. AMSOL immediately started an internal investigation into the circumstances, and an external investigation by SAMSA and the Department of Transportation has also been started. The 'Umkhulesi' anchored in Mossel Bay in pos. 34° 08' N 022° 11' E on Oct 1.
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