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Tag: South Africa

Silver Dorado
Silver Dorado

Silver Dorado

Silver Dorado
Photo: NRLI

On the evening of January 12, a fishing vessel Silver Dorado caught fire in the South Atlantic Ocean 1 nautical mile offshore of Noordhoek, South Africa. The fire with discovered by the master of the Silver Dorado as the vessel was headed out for fishing. The other 20 crew were resting in their bunks and were awaken to vessel ablaze.

The fishing vessel sent out a distress call that the vessel had caught fire and that all 21 crew members on board were abandoning ship. South African authorities alerted vessels in the area to assist while the NSRI launched the rescue vessels Bay Guardian and Rescue 6 Alpha from Gqeberha.

Silver Dorado
Photo: NRLI

The fishing vessel Leguga arrived on scene finding all the 21 crew members of the Silver Dorado in the water. The Leguga launched its own life-raft and assisted recovering 12 crew members from the water. Other fishing vessels arrived on scene. The fishing vessel Raka rescued 4 crew and the fishing vessel Maverick rescued 4 more.  The fishing vessel Vulcan rescued 1 crew member.  With all 21 crew members accounted for and safe, the crew were transferred to the NSRI vessels. All crew were taken ashore at  Port Elizabeth. No reports of injuries.

The Silver Dorado was reported still on fire and adrift. The fishing vessel was last seen near Cape Recife.

 

 

Armana

Armana

Armana
Photo: SAMSA

On the night of October 13, the 41 meter long, 389 gt fishing vessel Armana (IMO: 5024611) caught fire on the South Atlantic Ocean 60 nautical miles south of Gansbaai on the Western Cape, South Africa. Unable to contain the blaze and fearing the 62 year old fishing vessel was likely to sink, the 20 crew on board abandoned the fishing trawler into 2 life rafts. The nearby fishing vessel Ludwani was able to safely rescue all 20 crew without incident.

Armana
Photo: SAMSA

Authorities state the Armana remained afloat until the following day when it finally sank.  The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The source of the fire was not reported.

AM Pride

AM Pride

AM Pride

On September 12, the 66 meter long, 2018 dwt offshore supply vessel AM Pride (IMO: 9359167) caught fire some 48 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, South Africa. The fire started in the vessel’s galley and quickly got out of control. The vessel contacted its owner who relayed the distress call to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). Authorities broadcasted an alert to nearby vessel to assist the AM Pride.

Before any vessel’s arrived on scene to assist the AM Pride, the crew of the offshore vessel abandoned ship into life rafts. The vessel’s owner dispatched a helicopter to the scene and were able to rescue all 15 crew members. Reports state there were strong winds and high swells that made the rescue effort difficult, but no reports of injuries.

Authorities report the AM Pride will be taken under tow by a tug to a secure location.  No details reported on extent of damage of the fire and if any pollution had been released.