Minister Creecy reacted with shock and sadness on the sank Hake Deep Sea Trawl Vessel

18 May 2024

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy has reacted with shock and sadness on the sank hake deep sea trawl vessel (known as Lepanto) off the West Coast together with the eleven (11) missing crew members.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the missing fishermen and their families as we await news of the search and rescue operation, said Minister Creecy.

The Minister expresses gratitude to the vessel that rescued nine (9) fishermen who managed to deploy an emergency craft.

Further updates will be provided in due course.

For media enquiries, please contact

Peter Mbelengwa  
Mobile: 082 611 8197 
E-mail:  pmbelengwa@dffe.gov.za