The South African Maritime Authority (SAMSA) has confirmed the sinking of a fishing research vessel named the Geo Searcher off the Gough island on October 15 while sailing with 64 crew on board.
All 62 crew have safely been recovered from the vessel and are now on Gough Island with one crew member having sustained slight injuries, reported SAMSA.
A multi-organisational effort to collect the 62 seafarers of the now sunken, Belize registered vessel, Geo Searcher, is underway.
According to SAMSA, the Geo Searcher had been within a mile off Gough Island when it experienced problems and took on water after it reportedly collided with underwater rocks.
The centre immediately sought to mobilise other sailing vessels within the vicinity of the accident, but this was eventually called off after crew of the sunken vessel were reported to have safely abandoned it.
The Sa Agulhas II is expected to take about three days to reach the island, if weather conditions allow. The vessel is carrying two helicopters onboard which will assist in the transfer of the stricken seafarers from the island to the vessel. It is expected that the vessel will then make its return voyage arriving by possibly next week Friday or Saturday.
The coordination and collaboration efforts between SAMSAs’ MRCC and many other organisations deliver the service to seafarers in peril on our seas. Limited resources and the vastness of the area creates challenges but with these efforts, seafarers can rest assured that every possible effort will be made to render them the lifesaving service they may require
SAMSA said.
