Capsizing of vessel probed

THE SA Maritime Safety Authority has been tasked with investigating what caused the catamaran carrying eight British tourists to capsize in Table Bay harbour.

The tourists were rescued after the NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) launched two rescue craft after a distress call came in just before 7pm. The rescue craft, Spirit of Vodacom and Spirit of Day, towed the catamaran to Granger Bay near the harbour entrance.

NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed to secure tow ropes to the capsized craft, but the draft of the catamaran’s mast, and the sail rigging being below water, made the task extremely difficult.

Yesterday, the catamaran remained secure in the position it was anchored on Monday night.

After the catamaran was anchored, the NSRI Table Bay duty crew went to check up on the rescued tourists, some of whom were in hospital.

“One female suffered a fractured shoulder in the ordeal and she is being treated. They were bruised and shaken up, but full of praise for the NSRI and the emergency services’s rapid response, and (the medical) care,” said Quentin Botha, the NSRI Table Bay station commander.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon added: “It has emerged that one female had been below decks when the catamaran capsized, and she was trapped in the galley where water was rising as the cabin filled with water, creating a fastdiminishing air pocket that had provided some relief.

“From what we understand, we believe that the skipper of the catamaran had free-dived under the catamaran after she capsized, and he was able to bring the mom out from below decks.

“The skipper of the catamaran is commended for this effort.”