2 people confirmed dead in Hout Bay disaster – City assisting foreign visitors

The search and rescue mission after the Miroshga boat capsized yesterday afternoon near Hout Bay with 41 persons on-board was suspended due to rough sea conditions.

Yesterday the NSRI successfully rescued 38 people from the water after the accident of the Miroshga operated by Southern Ambitions t/a SA Marine Safaris.

The SA Navy conducted another search at 01:00 this morning in attempt to find the missing crew member.

Numerous patients that sustained minor injuries; suffering from hypothermia and shock were admitted to hospitals in Cape Town that includes: Grootte Schuur, Victoria Hospital, Christiaan Barnard Hospital, False Bay Hospital, Constantiaberg Medi-Clinic, Vincent Palotti Hospital; and the Retreat Day Hospital.

The medical staff observed and assessed the patients that were admitted and the majority of them were discharged.

One adult male died has been recovered from the water and is at the Salt River State Mortuary – the body is in process of been identified.

At 11:00 today the body of John Roberts, the one crew member that was missing since yesterday was discovered after an extended diving mission by the SA Navy at 21 metres depth. The family are on-scene and traumatised that will be provided with trauma counselling.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has deployed a tug boat to recover the stricken vessel in order to recover the vessel to probe the investigation. This operation will also aid the investigation to establish the cause of the accident.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has made arrangements with the various Embassies and High Commissions represented in South Africa to ensure that tourists that has lost their passports and travel documentation that are damaged to be swiftly been replaced.

Should any persons require any assistance the City’s Disaster Operations Centre can be contacted on the following details:

· Telephone: 080 911 HELP (4357) (South African only)

· Telephone: +27 (0) 21 597 6000 (International Callers)

· E-mail: disaster@capetown.gov.za or wilfred.solomons@capetown.gov.za



Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

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Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects & Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town