Johannesburg - Thirteen people were rescued when their fishing boat lost power and ran aground near the St Francis Bay harbour, in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.
“The chokka boat... had lost motor power as she was turning in towards entering the harbour entrance,” NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said in a statement.
Eight people were rescued by a harbour tender boat before it hit the rocks. Another person managed to jump onto rocks and make his way to safety.
“He was received by members of the public and escorted to paramedics as they arrived on scene,” said Lambinon.
Two others hanging on the side of the boat were rescued by swimmers and taken onboard a sea rescue craft.
The tender boat was used to rescue the remaining two crewmen, after the fishing boat had washed against the rocks and dolosse.
One of the crewman lacerated his right arm when a large wave caused him to fall. The other 12 were unhurt, but were treated on the scene for shock. Three crewmen rescued by the tender boat were treated for being submerged in diesel fuel spilled from the boat.
Sapa