Hout Bay boat accident

A charter boat capsized near Duiker Island at about 3pm this afternoon. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has informed us that the boat had a valid legal safety certificate and was certified to carry forty-two passengers and three crew. The cause of the accident is still being investigated.

As at 18h22 this evening, one person has been confirmed dead, two people have been rescued and three people are still missing.

The status on all people involved in the accident will be confirmed once rescue operations are concluded.

The Western Cape Government extends heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of the person that has lost their life and those who have been injured as a result of the accident.

I am on the scene to lend assistance to survivors and assist with rescue operations together with the City of Cape Town's Disaster Management Unit, SAPS, Western Cape Emergency Medical Services, the National Sea Rescue Institute and members of the public. I am grateful to the expeditious manner in which the rescue operation was carried out.

Cape Town Tourism and the Western Cape Provincial Tourism and Safety Support Unit are also on the scene to provide assistance where it is needed.

My colleague, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, has dispatched trauma counsellors to the scene. Those requiring further counselling are requested to call the Department of Social Development Trauma Counselling toll free helpline on 0800 220 250.

Statement by Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism, October 13 2012

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