An extensive search for two local fishermen who are apparently missing at sea was launched yesterday (Monday 20 February).
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) duty crew were activated after the pair, aged 54 and 40, reportedly went missing while fishing off the shore of Die Poort in Strand on Sunday late afternoon (19 February).
According to a media statement released by the NSRI, duty crews of NSRI Gordon’s Bay, Kleinmond, Strandfontein and Simonstown were called to action around 08:44 on Monday.
“Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) were assisted by NSRI Emergency Operations Centre and NSRI Headquarters duty controllers as well as duty controllers from the four NSRI rescue stations to formulate a search grid,” it said. “Four NSRI rescue craft, an Aerios Global Aviation helicopter and rescue vehicles conducting shoreline patrols between Kleinmond and Macassar searched extensively.
“An all-ships alert was posted by Telkom Maritime Radio Services and they assisted in marine VHF radio communications. During the search the small boat was located broken-up and washed into a crevice along a rocky shoreline between Gordon’s Bay and Steenbras River Mouth. There remains no sign of the two missing men.”
While the NSRI stated that police had launched an investigation into the incident, Strand and Gordon’s Bay police confirmed the matter had not been reported to the respective stations.
Despite determined attempts, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette had not yet succeeded in making contact with the family of the missing men.
