Creecy, Hlengwa Send Condolences After Vessel Sinks Near Mossel Bay

PRETORIA – 2 March 2026 – The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have conveyed their condolences following a maritime tragedy in which one crew member died and five remain missing after a vessel sank off the Southern Cape coast.

The incident involves the MW Leo, a cargo vessel registered under the Comoros flag, which encountered difficulties at sea late on Saturday evening.

Distress Signal South of Mossel Bay

According to a statement issued by the National Department of Transport, the vessel transmitted a distress signal on the evening of 28 February 2026, reporting uncontrolled water ingress.

At the time, the ship was approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, en route from Durban to Nigeria on a single voyage.

The vessel, owned by Magnet Energy Limited, a company based in Lagos, Nigeria, was carrying a total of 18 crew members — all confirmed to be Nigerian nationals.

The crew reportedly abandoned the ship and boarded liferafts before the vessel sank in the early hours of 1 March 2026.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Rescue operations have so far resulted in 12 crew members being saved alive. One body has been recovered, while five crew members remain missing at sea.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town is coordinating the ongoing search and rescue operations.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances that led to the vessel taking on water.

Investigation Underway

A preliminary investigation has been launched by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to determine the cause of the sinking.

The Department of Transport confirmed that Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, His Excellency Tope Ajayi, is being kept informed of developments as the search continues.

Minister Creecy and Deputy Minister Hlengwa expressed their pain over the loss of life and extended messages of support to the bereaved family and to the families of those still missing.

They also emphasised the urgency of continuing efforts to locate the five crew members who remain unaccounted for.

Maritime Safety Concerns

While incidents of vessel sinkings are relatively rare in South African waters, the country’s extensive coastline and busy shipping routes require constant monitoring and coordination between national and international authorities.

The role of MRCC Cape Town is central in such emergencies, ensuring rapid response to distress signals and coordination between maritime rescue units.

Further updates are expected once the investigation by SAMSA progresses and search efforts yield additional information.