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Over the weekend, a South African fishing vessel ignited in the deep blue, casting a shadow of tragedy over the Cape Coast.

The SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) reported on Monday that the ship is now presumed to have sunk beneath the waves while the 20 crew members who were almost stranded on the burning vessel arrived safely and were disembarked in Cape on Sunday night.

The fiery incident involved the now abandoned 62-year-old MVF Armana while she was located approximately 60 Nautical Miles offshore from Gansbaai. A search for the vessel had since been called off on Monday afternoon after sight of her was lost after midnight on Sunday.

In a statement, SAMSA said: “The 20-member crew of the vessel arrived safely at 19h45 (local time) in Cape Town on Sunday night (13 October) aboard the MFV Ludwani, another of the Sea Harvest Group’s vessels, which had been mobilised to assist with the rescue after the crew of the MFV Armana had to abandon the fishing vessel due to a fire on board.

“Soon after the crew had abandoned the vessel and rescued by the MFV Ludwani, with assistance coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) at the SAMSA Centre for Sea Watch and Response in Cape Town, measures were taken to both monitor the MFV Armana where it had initially remained adrift at a location approximately 57 Nautical Miles south of Gansbaai, as well as to arrange salvage of the MVF Armana.

“These measures involved the deployment of the MFV Harvest Saldanha for monitoring, as well as the dispatch of the Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Umkhuseli, to tow the stricken vessel to a safe place of refuge.

“However, regrettably, sight was eventually lost of the MVF Armana in the early hours of Monday (14 October 2024). A search for the vessel was conducted for several hours early Monday without success, and a decision was taken to call it off at 13h00 on Monday as the vessel is now presumed sunk,” said SAMSA.

SAMSA has issued a safety navigational warning to all vessels operating in or around the last known position of the ill-fated fishing vessel, urging them to report any sightings of the MFV Armana.

In the wake of this incident, an Incident Management Team is tirelessly coordinating with the ship’s owners and all relevant parties, ensuring constant communication as they navigate this unfolding maritime crisis.

SAMSA confirmed that it will be investigating the cause of the fire on the casualty fishing vessel, MFV Armana.

Also in response to the unfolding situation, SAMSA has acknowledged the directive from Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, issued on Sunday, calling for urgent safety inspections of all commercial fishing vessels operating in South African waters. This proactive measure underscores the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who navigate these vital maritime routes.

[source:samsa]