WHEN a yacht was seen anchored 2km off Sodwana Bay last week, a SAPS Border Police team was deployed to inspect the vessel.
One crew member without valid travel documents was arrested.
An alleged engine failure while the yacht was en route from Durban to Mozambique, led to its mooring off Sodwana Bay.
After boarding the yacht and carrying out their inspection, police instructed the skipper to sail to Richards Bay harbour where the yacht could undergo engine repairs.
The crew member without travel documents was arrested and detained at Mbazwana Police Station.
Border police also conducted ski boat checks, using iSimangaliso’s Sodwana Bay launch site.
One skipper was not permitted to launch owing to an expired seaworthiness certificate for his boat.
Police are working closely with the Wetland Park Authority and this was the second such inspection in as many months at Sodwana Bay.
More inspections can be expected over the festive season.
The message is clear – compliance, sound environmental practices and safety are non-negotiable.
