After 18 deaths: All vessels must be inspected
All commercial fishing vessels must be inspected immediately!
That's the message from the South African Minister of Transport after yet another ship ran into trouble on Sunday.
This time, it was the 62-year-old 'Armana', which caught fire about 60 nautical miles from Gansbaai with 20 people on board. All 20 crew members escaped unharmed from the fire and the subsequent period when members left the burning 'Armana' and were picked up by the fishing boat 'Ludwani', which was in the area.
The 41-meter-long 'Armana' is now drifting and still burning while being monitored by a ship from the same company. The South African authorities for maritime safety, SAMSA, have asked the owner to arrange for a pilot service to follow the ship to a safe place.
18 dead this year
This is the fifth time in just a few months that ships used for fishing have run into serious trouble in South African waters. It's an increase, says Transport Minister Barbara Creecy:
- I must express my concern over the increasing number of incidents involving fishing vessels in our waters. Just this year, we have witnessed no fewer than five serious incidents, which tragically have claimed the lives of 18 people. Such incidents are deeply worrying, and it is clear that we must take immediate action to improve the safety of our fishing fleet, she said.
The Minister is now asking the South African Maritime Safety Authority for concrete action.
- As a result, I have requested SAMSA to conduct safety inspections on all fishing vessels operating in South African waters and registered in our registry, and to present a report as soon as possible, says Barbara Creecy.
In addition, SAMSA has been instructed to develop a plan for improving the safety of fishing vessels, which will prevent future incidents and ensure that vessels sailing in our waters meet the highest safety standards.
- The safety of seafarers is a national priority, concludes Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.
