The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said on Sunday afternoon the charter ski boat MAGNUM TOO of the missing skipper was located wrecked and extensively burnt out.
HERE IS AN UPDATE ON THE MISSING SKIPPER CASE
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said during an extensive search involving multiple agencies and a fixed-wing aircraft, the charter fishing ski boat MAGNUM TOO was located wrecked and extensively burnt out in the vicinity of Dobela on the Mozambique coastline on Sunday.
He said law enforcement agency’s response teams are on site investigating.
‘THERE REMAIN NO SIGNS OF THE SKIPPER JOHN MATAMBU’
“There remains no signs of the skipper John Matambu or an as yet unidentified man who reportedly chartered the fishing vessel.
“Both men remain missing in unknown circumstances.
“Our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of John in this difficult time.”
Lambinon said
IT REMAINS UNKNOW WHAT HAPPENED THAT LED TO THE VESSEL BEACHING
Lambinon said it remains unknown what happened that led to the vessel beaching and finding it completely burnt out.
Police and law enforcement, security agencies, and maritime authorities are continuing an extensive search and investigation to locate the two missing men and piece together what has transpired.
HERE IS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE MISSING SKIPPER
NSRI Richards Bay deputy station commander Norman Rautenbach said that at around 17:00 on Saturday, NSRI Richards Bay was alerted to concerns that a charter ski boat, “MAGNUM TOO,” a 21-foot Yeld Cat ski boat, was missing at sea in uncertain circumstances that appeared to indicate foul play may be involved.
“The NSRI is hopeful that this is not the case.”
WHAT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY MORNING?
This comes after the ski boat MAGNUM TOO may have departed Sodwana Bay with John onboard and a male passenger or passengers (uncertain) early on Saturday morning.
Rautenbach said a search was initiated towards Sodwana Bay and North along the coastline.
The search included a private fixed-wing aircraft.
A SEARCH WAS INITIATED TOWARDS SODWANA BAY
Rautenbach said a missing persons report has been opened at MBAZWANA Police station.
“It appears that persons, or a male, who have not been identified, may have chartered the ski boat that was expected to return to Sodwana Bay on Saturday afternoon.
“Real concerns are emerging that suggest possible foul play, and these concerns are for the safety of the skipper, John Matambu, and his passenger/s.
“We reiterate we are hopeful that this is not the case.”
Rautenbach said.
‘REAL CONCERNS ARE EMERGING THAT SUGGEST POSSIBLE FOUL PLAY’
He said concerns are rapidly increasing.
“It is not normal for this well-known and respected local skipper to fail to report to and/or return to Sodwana.
“During the night, the local community and coast watchers are commended for keeping an eye out for any red distress flares or sightings of the missing ski boat.”
THE PEOPLE WHO CHARTERED THE BOAT MAY HAVE PROVIDED FALSE INFORMATION
According to Rautenbach, the individual/s who chartered the boat may have provided false information about their identity.
He added that this needed to be confirmed and that there may have been a misunderstanding.
DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE SEARCH?
“We are appealing to anyone with information that can assist police in this search to contact Police on 10111 and or NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) 0870949774 or MRCC 0219383300.
“Thoughts with the family of the skipper in this difficult time.”
“We are hopeful that the crew, and passengers are found safe.”
Rautenbach said.
Meanwhile, in other news, A great white shark was spotted in shallow waters near the beach in Hartenbos on Saturday.
