The search continues for a fisherman in Jeffreys Bay

Mluleki Mrwebi
25 August 2013

National Sea Rescue Institute in St Francis Bay and volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched a sea rescue craft SPIRIT OF ST FRANCIS II to respond to 5 nautical miles off-shore of Jeffreys Bay at the request of the Transnet National Ports Authority to begin a search for an adult male, fisherman, reportedly fallen overboard the chokka fishing boat COOMBAVA.

NSRI Jeffreys Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew responded to stand-by on alert at their sea rescue base and NSRI Port Elizabeth were placed on high alert.

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said it appears that the fisherman may have fallen overboard and it is not known what caused him to go overboard.

"We conducted a search pattern plotted by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) but despite an extensive search nothing has been found and we were released from the search by the TNPA” said Lambinon.

He added that the man was wearing oil skins and boots but had on no life-jacket. He is presumed to have drowned. The matter has been handed over to the SA Police Services who will investigate the circumstances and continue a search.