Siyavuya Mzantsi
THE police dive unit is searching for two fishermen who are feared to have drowned in Lamberts Bay after their boat capsized in dense fog.
Police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed yesterday that two men had been reported missing.
Dense fog created havoc in Lamberts Bay on Saturday, with a number of boats requiring assistance from the NSRI. Two boats stayed out at sea to wait for the fog to clear, but one remained unaccounted for.
The 16-foot fishing boat had capsized and when the NSRI arrived, two crewmen, suffering from severe hypothermia, were clinging to the upturned hull.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said four crew had been on board. They did not have life jackets or emergency equipment to raise the alarm.
Lambinon said they were drifting in the fog and were found 15 nautical miles north of Lamberts Bay, about five nautical miles offshore.
The men fell asleep and the survivors said when they woke up, the other two men were missing.
The fishermen were taken to hospital and are in a serious but stable condition.
Lambinon said the capsized boat was abandoned at sea.
He said the NSRI Lamberts Bay crew also assisted fishing boat Jaws Truly, which had three anglers – aged 34, 45 and 59 – on board. Jaws Truly and her crew were found unharmed.
“Telkom Maritime Radio Services are broadcasting a maritime navigational warning to alert boats in the area to be on the lookout for the two missing fishermen and the capsized 16-foot fishing boat,” Lambinon said.