Extensive search ongoing for 6 local fishermen who are reportedly missing at sea

An extensive search operation is ongoing for 6 adult male fishermen, believed to be from Hout Bay and from Hawston, who remain overdue and missing at sea onboard a grey Ballistic 7.8 meter RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) name “Berta Fishing Experience”.

We are appealing to the maritime community to be on the lookout for the 6 men and their grey Ballistic 7.8 meter RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) name “Berta Fishing Experience".

NSRI were alerted on Sunday morning by concerned family, colleagues and friends of the fishermen who were reported to be overdue.

MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), supported by NSRI's EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), (TNPA) Transnet National Ports Authority Cape Town Port Control, NSRI Simonstown, NSRI Hermanus, NSRI Hout Bay, NSRI Kommetjie, NSRI Table Bay and NSRI operations controllers, the SA Police Services, Police Sea Borderline Control and (WPDS) Water Policing and Diving Services, are assisting in search grid plotting over an extensive search area deep sea South and South West of Cape Point, where it is believed that the 6 local men were reportedly fishing during Saturday afternoon and night.

It appears that they may have been deep sea South or South West of Cape Point late on Saturday evening and a search involving NSRI rescue craft, commercial fishing and motor vessels and recreational fishermen has as yet yielded no signs of the missing men and their craft.

Telkom Maritime Radio Services are broadcasting an all ships marine VHF radio broadcast alerting vessels in the area to be on the lookout.

Ski-Boat Mobile and local boating and maritime communities are assisting to spread the word for all vessels and ships at sea to report any sightings.

Missing persons cases have been opened by family.

We commend all vessels at sea that are assisting in this extensive search.

An extensive search operation remains underway.

Our thoughts are with the families, colleagues and friends, of the missing men, in this difficult time.