Cape Town – Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have expressed condolences to the family of a crew member who died after the sinking of the MW Leo, while five others remain missing at sea.
The incident occurred after the vessel, registered under the flag of Nigeria, transmitted a distress signal reporting uncontrolled water ingress on the evening of 28 February 2026.
The vessel was travelling from Durban to Nigeria when the emergency unfolded, authorities said.
According to officials, the crew abandoned ship onto the vessel’s liferafts before the ship ultimately sank in the early hours of 1 March 2026.
The ship carried 18 crew members, all Nigerian nationals. Twelve crew members were rescued alive, one body has been recovered, and five crew members are still missing.
A preliminary investigation has been launched by the South African Maritime Safety Authority.
The search and rescue coordination effort is being managed through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Cape Town.
Minister Creecy said the government was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family following the loss of life at sea,” Creecy said.
She added that authorities were prioritising the search for the missing crew.
“Every possible effort must be made to locate the five crew members who are still unaccounted for.”
Deputy Minister Hlengwa echoed the sentiment, saying the incident had caused great distress.
“We share the pain of this maritime incident and extend our support to the families whose loved ones are still missing at sea,” he said.
South African authorities have also been in communication with the Nigerian High Commission.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Tope Ajayi, has been kept informed of developments.
Creecy and Hlengwa said they were deeply concerned about the situation.
The cause of the sinking remains under investigation, and maritime safety authorities have urged caution as search operations continue in the waters south of Mossel Bay.
Officials have not yet released the identities of the deceased or the missing crew members.
Authorities say updates will be provided as the investigation and rescue operations progress.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
