By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
A night of terror unfolded on the high seas as a Nigerian tugboat, LEO, went down in storm-lashed South African waters, leaving one person dead, five missing, and 12 dramatically rescued from the jaws of death.
The ill-fated vessel, carrying 18 persons, reportedly ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban late Saturday night while battling violent waves on its return voyage to Lagos.
The tug had earlier berthed in South Africa for repairs before embarking on the journey that would end in catastrophe.
Confirming the tragedy on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, revealed that South African authorities had notified the Federal Government of the disaster.
According to her, South Africa’s Ministry of Transportation confirmed that 12 crew members were rescued alive from the wreckage, while one fatality has been recorded.
Five others remain unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations intensify.
“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,” the minister stated.
She further disclosed that the South African Maritime Safety Authority has commenced emergency response procedures, with survivors being transported to Port Elizabeth for medical checks and debriefing.
Officials of the Nigeria High Commission are reportedly en route to receive the rescued seafarers and provide immediate consular support.
As anxious families await news, search teams continue to comb the turbulent waters in a desperate bid to locate the missing five.
The sinking of LEO adds to growing concerns over maritime safety along the busy West and Southern African shipping corridors, especially amid worsening weather patterns.
More details are expected as rescue efforts continue.
