12 Rescued as Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South Africa Coast, One Dead

Twelve persons have been rescued following the sinking of a Nigerian tugboat in South African waters, while one fatality has been confirmed and five others remain missing.
The vessel, identified as LEO, was carrying 18 persons and had reportedly travelled to South Africa for repairs. It was said to have run aground about 18 nautical miles offshore in stormy conditions between Cape Town and Durban while returning to Lagos late Saturday night.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed on Monday that South African transportation authorities confirmed the incident and the rescue of 12 occupants.
According to the minister, the South African Ministry of Transportation also confirmed that one person died in the mishap, while search and rescue operations are ongoing for the five missing individuals.
She further stated that the South African Maritime Safety Authority has begun conveying the survivors to Port Elizabeth, where officials of the Nigerian High Commission are en route to receive them.
The Nigerian government assured that additional information would be provided as developments unfold.
Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Abuja, issued the statement.