Three Dead And Two Missing After Sea Incident Off Mossel Bay

Three people have died and two others remain missing following an incident involving a vessel off the Mossel Bay coast on Wednesday.

The five people were about 47 nautical miles offshore when they went overboard, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa). The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre was notified and launched a search-and-rescue operation for those still unaccounted for.

Transport department spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that three bodies had been recovered, while efforts to locate the remaining two people were continuing.

"We can confirm there has been an incident," transport department spokesperson Collen Msibi said.

"There were five people aboard.

"Three bodies have been recovered, and two people are still missing."

Mossel Bay Sea Incident Leaves Two People Missing

The Mossel Bay sea incident is now the subject of an investigation by Samsa, which is expected to establish what led to the five people going overboard.

Samsa said the incident was reported to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, which subsequently activated the search-and-rescue response. Helicopter crews were among those involved in efforts to find the two missing people.

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Msibi said Samsa would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident while the search operation remained under way.

Samsa Coordinates Search For Missing People

The search operation continued after three bodies were recovered from the sea. Two of the bodies were transported by helicopter to George Airport, while the third was taken to Mossel Bay late on Wednesday night.

Samsa said it was not yet in a position to provide further details about what happened. The authority said more information would be released once it had been verified.

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"As search and rescue efforts continue, Samsa is unable to provide further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident," the authority said.

"Samsa will provide further updates as and when verified information becomes available.

"Members of the public and media are requested to refrain from speculation and rely solely on official information issued by Samsa regarding this incident."

Mossel Bay Coast Search And Rescue Operation Continues

The Mossel Bay coast search remained active as rescue teams continued looking for the two people who were still missing.

Samsa said a more detailed statement would be issued at a later stage. Further information about the incident will depend on the outcome of the ongoing search-and-rescue operation and the authority's investigation.