Catamaran Safely Assisted After Taking on Water Offshore of Gqeberha

At 10h45 on Friday, 2 January, NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following reports of a 23-foot catamaran motor vessel, with five crew onboard, taking on water and reporting to be low on fuel approximately eight nautical miles offshore in Algoa Bay.

Michael Wilson, NSRI Gqeberha Duty Coxswain, said:

NSRI duty crew responded to the NSRI Gqeberha Station 6 rescue base, where the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 6 Alpha was launched.

The skipper of the casualty vessel reported that the ingress of water was not causing any immediate danger. The vessel was making steady progress; however, the crew were concerned about their low fuel levels.

On arrival at the scene, the vessel and crew were found to be safe. Three crew members from the casualty vessel were transferred onto the NSRI rescue craft.

NSRI crew members were then transferred onto the casualty vessel, where the ingress of water was stemmed. Under the power of one engine, the vessel continued making headway towards the Port of Port Elizabeth, escorted by the NSRI rescue craft.

A short while later, the second engine failed, believed to be due to fuel starvation. A towline was rigged, and the vessel was towed safely into the Port of Port Elizabeth without incident.

On arrival at the slipway, NSRI assisted in recovering the vessel onto her trailer, after which no further assistance was required.