South Africa recently executed a significant rescue operation, saving 21 fishermen from a burning trawler, the Silver Dorado, which caught fire on Monday evening. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to a mayday call from the crew, who were forced to abandon their vessel approximately one nautical mile off Noordhoek, Gqeberha, after departing from Port Elizabeth earlier that day. An eyewitness had alerted NSRI about the fire before the mayday was issued.
Rescue teams mobilized quickly, and nearby fishing vessels were directed to assist. A local fishing boat, the Leguga, was among the first responders, deploying a life raft to rescue the fishermen who had entered the water. Other fishing vessels also arrived, eventually recovering all crew members. The 21 fishermen, believed to be South African, were safely accounted for and later medically assessed at the NSRI’s rescue base.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and local police have begun investigations into the fire’s cause, which spread rapidly after being discovered by the skipper. It appears that the crew was resting in their bunks when the fire broke out, forcing them to abandon ship without launching their life raft. Following the rescue, the vessel’s owners have engaged a salvage company to monitor the situation, though efforts are complicated by dangerous conditions and darkness. Authorities are advising caution for vessels navigating the area due to the ongoing hazards.
