A dramatic sea rescue has been carried out off the Durban coast on Tuesday to save the lives of 30 crew, who had abandoned their ship after it caught fire.
The Mercury reported that the Hsiang Fuh no 6, a Taiwanese fishing vessel, caught fire about 736km east-north-east from Durban, and some 496km from shore.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) co-ordinated the rescue effort in the Indian Ocean after the fishing vessel, the Hsiang Fuh no. 6 with a crew of 30 on board, caught fire on Sunday, said the authority in a statement.
They said the Maritime Rescue Co-ordinating Centre in Cape Town (MRCC CT) was notified that a container ship, the Ever Diadem, spotted the vessel about 10km away from its position.
“The Hsiang Fuh was on fire and its crew were abandoning ship on two life rafts about 736km East-North-East from Durban and 496km from the closest shore.”
“An urgent request (MAYDAY) message was relayed for other vessels to assist in the rescue.
This call was answered by bulk carriers Hampton Bay and SBI Antares responded.
“All the survivors were picked up – 16 crew by the Ever Diadem and 14 by the SBI Antares. Both vessels proceeded to Durban to disembark the survivors. A warning was issued for the abandoned and unmanned vessel still adrift.”
“SAMSA commends the efforts of the Masters and crew of Ever Diadem and SBI Antares in saving the lives of the crew of the fishing vessel” its statement said
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