Capsized boat claims tourists’ lives

By Henry Booysen
14 April 2008

A tourist boat carrying 19 crew members capsized near Gansbaai on Sunday morning after a huge wave had hit it.

According to National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon on arrival at the scene 17 of the 19 passengers had already been rescued by private boats with five of the passengers being treated for injuries and one declared dead on the scene.

“Local boats brought in the remaining two passengers, both males, who were both declared dead on arrival by paramedics,” said Lambinon.

Lambinon said that of all 19 passengers that were on the boat all 19 were accounted for.

“Two deceased males are Americans and one deceased male is Norwegian,” he said.

The NSRI has congratulated the actions of the local boats that hurried to bring the passengers safely to shore.