Pretoria – The Fisheries branch of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has called for a thorough investigation into the accident in which 11 fishermen died off the coast of False Bay on Sunday.
The fishermen lost their lives after the trawler they were traveling in ran into difficulty off the False Bay coastline. The trawler belongs to The Viking Fishing Company.
In total, there were 21 crew members - nine swam to safety while two crew members are still missing.
Acting Deputy Director General of the Fisheries branch, Siphokazi Ndudane, said the accident had shocked the entire fishing sector.
Ndudane said they are in contact with The Viking Fishing Company and will be making contact with family members of the deceased fishermen once they have all their particulars.
“The department is also hoping for the safe return of the other crewmen who are still missing. We urge for a thorough investigation to get to the cause of this tragedy," said Ndudane.
The department extended its condolences to the families and colleagues of the fishermen. – SAnews.gov.za
