Sikelela Aground
On August 28, the fishing vessel Sikelela ran aground in St. Francis Bay near St. Francis, South Africa. The vessel had suffered a power blackout while attempting to return to harbour in 5 meter swells and high winds. The crew was unable to gain control of the Sikelela as the waves drove the vessel ashore. The eight crewmen escaped the fishing vessel to the shoreline. A few others were unable to leap ashore and were left hanging onto the vessel as waves crashed over the vessel. The NSRI lifeboat arrived on scene and rescued three crew. The NRSI also rescued the master of the Sikelela. He had suffered injuries after loosing his footing. The Sikelela continued to be battered into the rocks the following days until it was smashed into a total loss. Some oil and fuel was released but was dissipated by the waves.
