Three Rescued After AHTS ‘Leo’ Sinks off South Africa
In a dramatic rescue operation off the coast of South Africa, three crew members from the AHTS vessel ‘Leo’ were saved by the vehicle carrier ‘Grand Hero’ on March 1, 2026. The incident occurred approximately 80 nautical miles from the Western Cape region, where the ‘Leo’ sank while returning to Lagos from Durban. The vessel, which had 18 crew members on board, issued a distress call on February 28 at 5:02 PM, prompting an immediate response from the South African Search and Rescue (SASAR) team.
The ‘Leo’ encountered treacherous conditions, including strong winds and high swells, which led to its distress about 18 nautical miles offshore. As the situation escalated, the crew abandoned ship and took to four life rafts. A mayday relay was broadcast by Cape Town Radio to alert nearby vessels to assist in the rescue efforts. In total, nine more crew members were rescued by the container ship ‘Maersk Karachi’, which was en route from Navegantes to Singapore.
Search and Rescue Operations Under Challenging Conditions
The rescue operations faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions. A local fishing vessel, the ‘Boronia,’ also played a crucial role in the search and rescue (SAR) efforts, despite battling strong winds and limited visibility. Tragically, the ‘Boronia’ recovered one deceased crew member from the scene. Meanwhile, the survivors were transported to Port Elizabeth, where they were met by officials from the Nigeria High Commission and received necessary medical care.
As of March 2, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) announced the suspension of SAR operations at sunset. Of the original 18 crew members aboard the ‘Leo,’ 12 have been safely disembarked in Port Elizabeth, while five crew members remain missing. The formal identification of the deceased crew member is ongoing, with cooperation from the relevant authorities.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town coordinated the deployment of multiple vessels and air support throughout the rescue mission. A navigation warning is currently in effect, advising mariners in the area of potential debris and the last known position of the sunken vessel, as well as the presence of unrecovered life rafts. Mariners are encouraged to report any sightings of debris, pollution, or individuals in the water to MRCC Cape Town or Cape Town Radio.
