By Lebone Rodah Mosima
A preliminary investigation has been launched by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) following the sinking of the MW Leo vessel near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, which left one person dead and five crew members missing.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) said the MW Leo, registered under the Comoros flag, transmitted a distress signal reporting uncontrolled water ingress on the evening of 28 February 28.
ALSO READ: Petrol, diesel prices to increase
“At the time, the vessel was approximately eighty (80) nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, on a single voyage from Durban to Nigeria,” the department said.
The vessel is owned by Magnet Energy Limited, based in Lagos, Nigeria.
The DOT said the crew reportedly abandoned ship into the vessel’s liferafts, and the vessel later sank in the early hours of March 1.
A total of 18 crew members, all Nigerian nationals,
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Start your free trial today.
Start your FREE trial nowNeed help? molokom@insideeducation.co.za
 following the sinking of the MW Leo vessel near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, which left one person dead and five crew members missing.){kind=link}