Fatal Emergency Tug Incident Leaves Three Dead

The Emergency Towing Vessel ‘Umkhuseli’, operated by Cape Town-based  African Marine Solutions (AMSOL) in partnership with the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), has been involved in a fatal incident off the coast of Mossel Bay.

In a statement SAMSA says it has initiated a preliminary enquiry following the fatal incident involving the tug Umkhuseli, which occurred approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay in the morning of 30 September 2026. 

The enquiry follows the conclusion of the active Search and Rescue (SAR) operation coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town. After an extensive search involving both air and surface rescue assets, three bodies were recovered, while two persons remain missing.

Preliminary information indicates that the incident began when a crew member reportedly fell overboard while working on deck. In response, a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) carrying four crew members was launched from the vessel to recover the individual. The FRB subsequently capsized, resulting in a total of five persons entering the water. 

Immediately following notification of the incident, MRCC Cape Townactivated a coordinated SAR response, and vessels in the vicinity were diverted to assist with the search, while rescue efforts were supported by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) water wings and helicopter resources. 

Following a comprehensive assessment of the search and rescue operation and consideration of all available information the active search and rescue was concluded.

AMSOL has confirmed that those involved in the incident were its employees.

SAMSA has undertaken to provide further updates when information becomes available.