Cape fishing disaster claims 10 lives
Ten fisherman have died and three others are still missing after their vessel began taking on water about 35 nautical miles south east of Cape Point last night.
The fisherman abandoned ship in rough sea conditions near Hangklip in the Western Cape.
The National Sea Rescue Institute says 21 people had been onboard the vessel at the time.
Spokesperson Craig Lambinon says rescuers are still searching the area.
''Initially, nine of the persons found were recovered deceased and nine were survivors, but during the night one of the survivors succumbed to his injuries and sadly died.
''The ten deceased bodies have been brought to shore and handed over into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services. The eight survivors are in the care of police trauma councillors and a [rescue] helicopter as well as two fishing vessels remain on sight,'' he said.
UPDATE: It has now been confirmed that nine seamen have died, and not ten as initially reported.
(File photo)