The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has reported that all 20 crew members aboard the MVF Armana, a 62-year-old fishing vessel, have been rescued unharmed after a fire broke out near Gansbaai in the Western Cape.
According to SAMSA spokesperson Sicelo Fayo, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. Initial reports suggested that the vessel was sinking; however, it was later confirmed that the ship was ablaze. Currently, the MVF Armana is adrift south of the coast of Gansbaai and is under monitoring.
Fayo also stated that the vessel's owner has been instructed to engage a tugboat to tow the distressed vessel to a safe refuge and to appoint a salvor to assist in the situation.