By Danjuma Amodu | March 5, 2026
A maritime tragedy has unfolded off the coast of South Africa, where the Nigerian tugboat LEO sank in turbulent waters late on Saturday. The incident has left one crew member dead, five missing, and 12 others rescued. The vessel, carrying 18 people, ran aground 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban due to severe stormy weather.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the incident, stating that South African authorities had formally notified the Nigerian Government.
Survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are providing consular support.
The southern corridor between Cape Town and Durban is notorious for sudden weather shifts and heavy swells, making it a high-risk area for maritime operations. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is working closely with local authorities to support survivors and liaise with families back home.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) is leading rescue efforts, with survivors receiving medical attention and consular support. Investigations into the cause of the sinking are ongoing, with questions expected to arise regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness and whether distress signals were transmitted in time.
The incident highlights the risks faced by maritime operators navigating volatile shipping routes. As search operations continue, the focus remains on locating the maritime missing crew members. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is providing support to survivors and liaising with families back home, as anxiety mounts over the fate of the missing.
The incident underscores the persistent risks faced by maritime operators navigating some of the world’s most volatile shipping routes.
Further details are expected as South African authorities provide updates on rescue efforts and investigative findings.
