The owner of the squid fishing vessel that caught fire and grounded off the coast of Gqeberha on Monday, Talhado, is working on sending home its crew.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) earlier said it was monitoring the Silver Dorado after all 23 crew members were immediately brought safely ashore following the incident.
No injuries were reported.
“From the moment Talhado became aware of the incident, the company activated its emergency response protocols and focused its full attention on the safety, well-being and welfare of the skipper and crew,” the company said.
“All crew members, under the command of skipper Shaun Geswindt, were safely evacuated and rescued through the swift, professional and highly coordinated response of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI),” it said.
“All crew members are safely ashore and have been supported by Talhado from the outset. The company immediately ensured that the crew were accommodated, clothed and provided with meals and has made professional counselling and emotional support available in recognition of the distressing nature of the incident,” the company said.
Talhado extended its gratitude to the NSRI and the following vessels: Maverick – one of the institute’s four vessels – as well as the Raka, Vulcan and Ligugu for their decisive and lifesaving actions during the incident.
The company said it was continuing to engage closely with the fishermen and their families and remained fully committed to supporting them during this period.
“Arrangements are also being made to return crew members home once the necessary regulatory and insurance processes have been concluded,” Talhado said.
Samsa has initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident.
“Talhado is working closely and transparently with Samsa and all relevant authorities and will continue to cooperate fully. All public communications regarding this matter will be handled through the established Incident Management IMS headed by Samsa,” the company said.
“Until this investigation is concluded, it would be premature and inappropriate to speculate on the cause of the fire and Talhado will therefore not comment further on this aspect at this stage,” the company said.
“We recognise and understand the challenges faced by fishermen during this difficult period and commend the crew for their professionalism, resilience and teamwork.”
Further information would be shared once the investigation had progressed, the company said.
