By Gabriel Ameh
Twelve people have been rescued after a Nigerian tug boat sank in South African waters late Saturday night, authorities have confirmed.
One person has been declared dead, while search and rescue operations continue for five others still missing.
The vessel, identified as LEO, had 18 persons onboard. It had reportedly travelled to South Africa for repairs and was returning to Lagos when it ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore in stormy conditions between Cape Town and Durban.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed the development on Monday morning.
According to the minister, the South Africa Ministry of Transportation formally informed Nigerian authorities of the incident.
She further stated that the South African Maritime Safety Authority is leading the ongoing rescue efforts.
The rescued crew members are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials of the Nigeria High Commission in South Africa are en route to receive them.
Authorities say search operations remain active as efforts intensify to locate the five missing individuals.
Further updates are expected as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
