Sunken MFV Lepanto. Pic: Supplied
Cape Town - Early findings by the SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) suggest the weight of a large catch of fish on the sunken Sea Harvest fishing vessel and flooding onboard due to structural failure might possibly have contributed to the disaster of the tragic sinking, which claimed the lives of 11 crew members.
Six months after the sinking, Samsa acting CEO Mbalenhle Golding shared the report by investigators, which sought to find out what happened during the wreckage on May 17.
The nine survivors were reinterviewed and Samsa said conflicting evidence was given with regards to the open/close status of the engine room’s watertight door on the starboard side main deck.
“This door could have been a crucial down-flooding point if it was left open. It was confirmed by the survivors that the accommodation doors on the port and starboard side were left open at the time of the incident.
“These doors are required to be kept closed at all times whilst the vessel is at sea.
“The second engineer, during his first interview, stated that the engine room door was open and there was water ingress into the engine room leading to water falling on the switchboard and causing a blackout. However, in the second interview he stated that the engine room watertight door was kept closed.
“The other crew members who were working on deck could not confirm whether the engine room door was closed or open.”
The document highlighted possible contributory factors in the capsizing and sinking of the vessel:
“The possible transfer of fuel in the wrong direction, thereby aggravating the starboard list referred to above and the stability of the vessel. Water ingress due to possible structural failure.
“Sea and swell conditions; loss of reserve buoyancy; the vessel steaming east at full speed ahead after hauling in her last catch combined with another factor, eg. weight of the fish on deck, swell or stability; excess water and freeing ports obstructed by the catch on deck, free surface effect.
“Watertight doors on the starboard side main deck and on the port side forward of the accommodation being open. Weight of the catch on deck after being hauled in.”
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy welcomed the report and said she accepts the conclusions of the report, which are not final.
“The final report will come from the Marine Court of Enquiry which is legislated for in terms of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1951.
“My hope is that in releasing this report, we assist the families in a limited way in understanding what happened to their loved ones.”
The Marine Court of Enquiry is expected to be convened during the first quarter of 2025.
Sea Harvest corporation chief operating officer, Konrad Geldenhuys, said it has been a difficult period for the business and the families of the deceased men.
“The company also notes that according to the report, given the fact that there is no physical evidence, and the vessel is lying at approximately 350m depth, no root cause could be determined for the capsizing and sinking of the vessel.
“We remain devastated about the loss of our crew members… and the impact that their passing has had on their loved ones and colleagues.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za