NSRI photo for illustration only.
According to the Herald Live, search and rescue efforts have still not found the eight missing fishermen after their fishing chokka capsized in Cape St Francis on Sunday.
The cousin of one of the missing fishermen had reportedly said he had “lost hope”, while another family member who was waiting for news on his missing uncle reportedly said there was “always hope”.
As reported by the African News Agency (ANA) yesterday, spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NRSI) Craig Lambinon, said on Monday that there were still no signs of the fisherman and the search was continuing.
One of the fishermen recovered was confirmed to be deceased. There were seven survivors recovered, six of who were hospitalised.
Police have since opened an inquest docket and the South African Maritime Safety Authority are launching an investigation.
According to the Herald Live, the police search and rescue members worked closely with the NSRI, the SA National Defence Force, the navy and the Kouga municipality disaster management. There were also reportedly foot patrols conducted on the shoreline on Monday.
A hole was also reportedly cut in the ship’s hull, but none of the missing crew members were found.
Concerns over why the fishing vessel had not reacted to the warnings of severe weather conditions have reportedly been raised by the Kouga Fishing Forum with the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
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