The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) says it has intensified efforts to manage the maritime safety and environmental risks posed by the wreck of the fishing vessel FV De Fu No. 2.
The Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessel was abandoned following a fire in September 2025 and is currently located offshore of the Western Cape.
Samsa said this week recent reports of wreckage sightings along the coastline had prompted the authority to activate an Incident Management System (IMS) in cooperation with national and international stakeholders to monitor the situation and mitigate potential risks.
“Since the first confirmed sighting on April 9, 2026, a series of navigational warnings have been issued to vessels operating in the area. Ongoing response efforts have been informed by continuous drift modelling, satellite tracking, and visual confirmations by passing vessels and South African naval assets,” Samsa said.
“The salvage vessel Admiraal de Ruiter was deployed to the wreck and successfully installed marker buoys, fitted an AIS identification system, and secured a towing line. These measures ensured that control of the wreck was maintained while stakeholders within the IMS structure considered the most appropriate course of action.”
Samsa said as the condition of the wreck remained stable following the sighting, it was decided to move the vessel into a protected area off St Helena Bay.
“This allows for a comprehensive assessment by a specialist dive and salvage team to determine the most suitable method for the wreck’s final disposal.
“The wreck has since been secured on an anchor spread, with multiple anchors deployed to prevent movement under forecast weather and sea conditions. The salvage vessel Sea Carrier remains on site and is fully equipped with diving support and pollution response capabilities,” the maritime safety authority said.
Samsa said no pollution had been detected to date and environmental monitoring continued.
“Salvage and towage operations are being coordinated by the vessel’s protection and indemnity insurers in close consultation with Sama and relevant authorities,” the authority said.
