Search continues for seaman presumed to have fallen overboard

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and maritime authorities have asked all vessels around Gqeberha to be on the lookout after a seaman went missing, presumably overboard, on Saturday.

Gqeberha station commander Justin Erasmus said the NSRI had been notified about the incident on Saturday night, shortly after the crew of a container vessel sounded a man-overboard alarm when they noticed one of their fellow seamen, a 31-year-old from India, was missing.

“A search of the vessel revealed no signs of the man,” Erasmus said.

“Maritime authorities were alerted and the vessel initiated a search while an all-ships alert was broadcast.

“NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were alerted at 10.12pm.

Police a and diving services were also alerted.

“At first light on Sunday morning the NSRI Gqeberha rescue craft joined an extensive search operation,” Erasmus said.

“However, despite an extensive sea search, there is no sign of the missing man.

“An all-ships alert continues to be broadcast.”

HeraldLIVE