Man dies after boat capsizes

2007-03-05 20:32

Cape St Francis - One fishermen has died, one was missing and 13 were admitted to hospital after a fishing boat capsized in rough seas off the harbour here on Monday, said the National Sea Rescue Institute.

Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said: "At Cape St Francis about 15:45 a chokka fishing boat capsized while at anchor one nautical mile offshore from the... harbour.

"Fifteen fishermen on board were all thrown into the sea."

Fourteen men were rescued by fellow chokka fishing boats and the NSRI.

One of the men died on arrival at the harbour, and the NSRI and police were still searching for the 15th man.

The other 13 men were taken to hospital with injuries including hypothermia and near-drowning symptoms.

NSRI placed on alert in PE

"At the moment, the chokka boat is lying at anchor in a capsized position one nautical mile offshore of the Cape St Francis harbour."

Meanwhile rough seas and strong winds were experienced along the Southern and Eastern Cape coast on Monday afternoon, said Lambinon.

Sea swells were reaching five to six metres with winds in excess of 50 knots and gusting up to 60 knots in places.

"The NSRI from Port Elizabeth has been placed on alert and are physically on standby for expected flooding that may continue on Monday night," he said.

- SAPA