12 Nigerians Saved from Sunken Tug Boat Off South Africa, 1 Dead, 5 Missing

By Linda Ike

South African transport authorities rescued 12 Nigerians from the tug boat LEO after it sank late Saturday in stormy seas, en route from repairs in South Africa back to Lagos.

The vessel, carrying 18 people, ran aground 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu shared on Monday that one crew member died, with search efforts ongoing for five missing.

“The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development,”

“Survivors are heading to Port Elizabeth, where Nigeria High Commission officials will receive them.” She said.

South Africa’s Maritime Safety Authority is leading the operation. More details to follow as they emerge.