President Jacob Zuma has sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the one of the Cape St Francis fishers who was confirmed dead when rescuers recovered eight fishers who were aboard the fishing vessel Maredon, carrying the 16 crew on board, which capsized in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Cape St Francis vicinity in the Western Cape.
The President has also conveyed his words of support to the families of the eight missing fishers and encouraged the team of rescue workers from the National Sea Rescue Institute not to abandon the search until they find them.
President Zuma also wished the hospitalised fishers a speedy recovery.
An ongoing search and recovery operation by emergency services, headed by the Eastern Cape members of the South African Police Service, continued till late yesterday, with none of the crew members being found at the close of the day.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families at this very dark and anxious hour. We would like to assure them that our emergency services teams will not rest until they find the missing members of their families. I wish the hospitalised fishers strength and a speedy recovery," said President.
Enquiries:
Dr Bongani Ngqulunga
Cell: 082 308 9373
E-mail: bongani@presidency.gov.za
