The skipper of the NINA POPE sailing vessel, which sank in the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Tristan da Cunha to Cape Town on Wednesday, is presumed dead, according to the SA Maritime Safety Authority.
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It stated that in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town received an SOS Alert from the Garmin International Rescue Coordination Centre regarding the Swiss-flagged sailing vessel.
The alert indicated that the vessel was taking on water about 2400 kilometres west-southwest of Cape Town.
In a joint operation involving MRCC Uruguay and other international partners, a motor tanker was dispatched to the location.
Speaking to News24, Samsa spokesperson Tebogo Ramatjie said that despite challenging conditions, with winds up to 74km/h and sea swells of up to eight meters, the FRONT POLLUX [motor tanker] managed to recover two male survivors from a life raft near the reported position.
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The skipper, a German national, was unable to be rescued and is believed to have perished with the vessel.
One survivor is Brazilian, while the other has dual citizenship in the United States and Switzerland.
Ramatjie stated that they were unharmed, did not require medical attention, and were expected to arrive in Cape Town next week.
Samsa extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
‘SAMSA extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to all SAR partners, especially the crew of the FRONT POLLUX, for their valiant efforts in the rescue operation,’ it said.
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