Maritime Tragedy Strikes Nigerian Vessel Near South Africa
Twelve Nigerians have been rescued following the sinking of the Nigerian tugboat LEO in South African waters late Saturday night. One person has been confirmed dead, while five remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
The Federal Government confirmed the incident in a statement by Dr Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. South African transportation authorities reported the tugboat, carrying 18 people, ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore amid stormy conditions between Cape Town and Durban while returning to Lagos.
Survivors Being Transported to Port Elizabeth
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, said survivors are being conveyed to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are en route to assist.
“The South African Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development. The South Africa Maritime Safety Authority has also confirmed that survivors are being brought to Port Elizabeth,” the minister said.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate the five missing individuals from the vessel, which had travelled to South Africa for repairs prior to the incident.
