The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town, South Africa coordinated a search and rescue (SAR) operation approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay following a distress incident involving the tug LEO.
At 19:02 local time 28 February 2026, the vessel transmitted a mayday distress message reporting uncontrolled water ingress and requesting immediate assistance. A mayday relay was subsequently broadcast via Cape Town Radio to alert nearby vessels to render support.
The vessel had 18 crew members on board. The crew abandoned ship into four (4) life‑rafts before the tug sank in the early hours of 1 March 2026.
Two merchant vessels and one local fishing vessel remain in the vicinity and continue to assist with search operations. A helicopter has also been deployed to provide aerial support across the search area.
To date, 13 crew members have been accounted for, consisting of 12 survivors, and 1 presumed deceased.
Search operations continued that time for the five remaining missing crew members.
Prevailing weather conditions in the area remained adverse; however, all available resources continued to be utilised to locate the missing crew.
An Incident Management System (IMS) structure has been activated to support and coordinate the ongoing response effort, ensuring alignment between MRCC, on‑scene resources, and relevant authorities.
SASAR extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, and its thoughts remain with all those affected. Further updates will be issued as confirmed information becomes available. Issued by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town on behalf of the South African Search and Rescue Organisation.
