Search Continues for Missing Indian Seafarer off Gqeberha Coast

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, is fervently coordinating a search operation following the disappearance of an Indian seaman. The seafarer was reported missing from a container ship 6 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Recife on Saturday. The crew aboard the vessel sounded the man overboard (MOB) alarm between 17:00 and 18:00 after noticing that the crew member was unaccounted for.

Justin Erasmus, NSRI Gqeberha station commander, has confirmed that a comprehensive search of the ship was conducted, but there were no traces of the 31-year-old man. It is suspected that he has gone overboard. The incident prompted the broadcasting of an all ships alert by Telkom Maritime Radio Service and an immediate search effort by the vessel itself.

Collaboration among SAR teams, maritime authorities, and the shipping community has been paramount. The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Port of Port Elizabeth Port Control, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) have been active in planning and executing search grids. While the NSRI Port Alfred was initially put on alert, the NSRI Gqeberha launched its rescue craft, Rescue 6 Alpha, at first light on Sunday to aid the search.

Despite the expansive sea search, no sign of the missing crew member has been detected thus far. The maritime community continues to issue alerts, and authorities remain in logistical and coordination support for the operation. All vessels in the vicinity are being monitored, and an extensive search is ongoing.

The NSRI appeals to mariners in and around Algoa Bay and to individuals along the shores to be alert and report any potential sightings or information that may aid in locating the missing man. The sea conditions and visibility reports have been closely monitored to optimize search efforts.

The incident has deeply affected the maritime community, with the NSRI expressing its heartfelt concern for the man's family and fellow crew members. They have assured that they are doing everything in their power to find any trace of the missing seafarer.

Members of the public with information in connection with the missing crew member are encouraged to urgently contact the NSRI or local authorities. The cooperation between different agencies exemplifies the committed response to maritime emergencies in South African waters.

In such incidents, swift and efficient search operations are vital, as the chances of survival decline with time spent in open waters. The NSRI has remained on high alert, ready to deploy necessary resources to aid in the search and potential rescue.

The search mission emphasizes the importance of safety and vigilance at sea and the need for quick communication and coordination among ships and SAR organizations. It is a grim reminder of the perils seafarers face and the importance of emergency preparedness and training amongst crew members.

As the operation continues, updates are expected to be provided by the rescue teams. The community hopes for a positive outcome, keeping the missing crew member and his loved ones in their thoughts.