Premier offers condolences to families of fishing vessel tragedy victims

Media Release: Premier offers condolences to families of fishing vessel tragedy victims

Premier Alan Winde, today, 20 May 2024, accompanied by Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, visited the head offices of Sea Harvest in Cape Town to offer their heartfelt condolences and support to the families and colleagues of the 11 employees of the company who perished in a tragedy at sea last Friday.

The fishing vessel they were on sank 34 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Town.

Premier Winde expressed his shock and sadness, telling the relatives of the victims, “You are all in my thoughts in this very difficult time. I feel your pain.”

He also met with the 9 men who survived the ordeal. “I know this may be bittersweet for you as you too lost colleagues and friends, but I share in the joy you and your families are feeling that you are with us today. I urge you to please seek counselling and support. This has been a devastating tragedy and there is help available to you.”

The Premier offered additional psychological counselling support to the fishermen and the families of the deceased. Sea Harvest has made trauma counsellors available. The company’s management assured the Premier that its investigation into the incident would be exhaustive.

Premier Winde expressed his gratitude to all role players who were involved in the rescue and search operation.