Fishing Boat Catches Fire off South Africa’s Coast: All 20 Crew Rescued Safely

Fishing Boat Armana Catches Fire in the South Atlantic, All Crew Rescued Safely

On the night of October 13, a fishing boat named Armana caught fire while sailing in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 60 nautical miles south of Gansbaai on the Western Cape, South Africa. The boat, which was 41 meters long and weighed 389 gross tons (gt), faced serious danger as the fire spread across it. The 62-year-old ship was unable to stay afloat, forcing the crew to take immediate action.

Crew Escapes to Safety

Fearing that the fishing boat might sink, all 20 crew members abandoned the Armana and climbed into two life rafts. Thankfully, another fishing vessel called Ludwani was nearby. The crew on the Ludwani acted quickly and rescued all 20 sailors without any injuries or problems.

Pharma cargoes wash ashore in South Africa from lost containers

Ship Sinks After Rescue

After the crew had been rescued, the burning vessel remained afloat for some time. However, by the next day, the Armana sank into the ocean. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.

Investigation Launched by SAMSA

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has started an investigation to find out what caused the fire. So far, no details about the fire’s source have been shared with the public.

This incident highlights the dangers of ocean fishing and the importance of quick rescue responses in emergencies. Authorities hope the investigation will bring more answers to help prevent similar accidents in the future.