Creecy conveys condolences to families of missing fishermen now presumed dead

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy has conveyed her condolences to the families of the 11 fishermen who went missing off the Cape coastline.

A massive search was launched over the weekend after a fishing vessel with 20 fishermen on board capsized 30 nautical miles off Slangkop Point in Hout Bay on Friday.

Five fishing vessels reached the search area and recovered nine of the fishermen.

Investigations are under way to determine why the vessel sank.

Department of Forestry and Fisheries spokesperson Peter Mbelengwa said Creecy was saddened by the news.

"Minister Creecy wishes to extend her sincere condolences to the families of the 11 crew members who are now presumed deceased. Minister Creecy understands that the families of the bereaved fishermen have been informed that the search has been called off and that they are receiving professional counselling and support. Appropriate counselling will be given to the other fishermen who survived this incident."