Five Crew Members Dead or Missing in Rescue Operation Involving Tug Umkhuseli in South Africa

A rescue operation off the coast of South Africa's Western Cape province ended in tragedy on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, when three crew members of the emergency tug Umkhuseli died and two others remain missing, presumed drowned. The incident occurred approximately 47 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay, according to confirmation from the vessel's operator, AMSOL, and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

According to initial reports, a crew member working on deck fell overboard. In an attempt to rescue him, a fast rescue boat (FRB) was launched with four other crew members on board, but the craft capsized shortly afterward, leaving a total of five people in the water. None of the sources detailed what caused the rescue boat to capsize or the weather conditions at the time of the incident.

The Cape Town Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) launched an air and sea search and rescue operation, with support from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the South African Police Service's water and helicopter units. Three crew members were found dead, while the other two remain unaccounted for. The search was suspended on Wednesday night, resumed at dawn on Thursday with the support of helicopters, vessels, and the Umkhuseli itself, and was later called off following a review of conditions by SAMSA. The tug Inkanyezi, also operated by AMSOL, joined the search effort and remained in the area.

AMSOL immediately launched an internal investigation into the circumstances of the accident, while SAMSA and South Africa's Department of Transport opened an external investigation; SAMSA also initiated its own preliminary inquiry. AMSOL CEO Dan Ngakane expressed his sorrow over the deaths of the colleagues and noted that the company had maintained direct contact with the families of the five crew members involved, providing them with support. SAMSA, for its part, extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased seafarers.

The Umkhuseli, a 5,400 gross ton, 83-meter vessel, was built in 2013 and operates under contract with South Africa's Department of Transport as an emergency towing and response vessel. All five crew members affected were AMSOL employees: one from Durban and four from Cape Town. Local media reported that South Africa's Transport Minister acknowledged the incident and called for a moment of silence during the launch of Transport Month in Johannesburg.