In the early hours of 01 March 2026, the Global Medical Safety and Risk Solutions (GMSRS) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), operating under the Medevac Africa division, was contacted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town regarding a maritime distress incident approximately 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay involving the tug LEO.
It was reported that the vessel had experienced uncontrolled water ingress, resulting in all 18 crew members abandoning the vessel into life rafts before it subsequently sank. At the time of notification, vessels in the vicinity had commenced responding to the distress, with additional vessels, including a container vessel, a roll-on roll-off carrier, and a fishing vessel, making their way to the scene to assist with ongoing search and rescue efforts. A number of survivors had already been recovered from the water during these initial response efforts.
In accordance with South African Search and Rescue (SASAR) protocols, Medevac Africa, in partnership with Cape Town Helicopters and Cape Town Aviation, immediately initiated operational readiness procedures. A full complement of aerial assets was placed on standby, including:
- Two King Air B200 fixed-wing aircraft for long-range aerial search, surveillance, and on-scene coordination
- A dedicated Airbus AS365 Dauphin search and rescue helicopter capability, equipped for maritime operations including hoisting and rescue swimmer deployment
These assets form part of the joint aeromedical and SAR capability provided under SASAR arrangements, enabling both maritime and terrestrial response under the coordination of the MRCC .
Following coordination with MRCC, one of the fixed-wing aircraft was tasked to deploy to the search area to support ongoing operations. The aircraft conducted aerial search patterns based on SAR drift modelling and designated search grids, while also fulfilling an on-scene coordination role in support of vessels operating in the area. The second fixed-wing aircraft and rotary-wing rescue capability remained on standby, ready for immediate deployment should additional support be required.
Throughout the operation, the GMSRS EOC worked closely with MRCC, coordinating aerial support and maintaining operational oversight, while integrating additional inputs from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), whose real-time weather forecasting and drift modelling significantly supported search planning efforts. Flight Information Services (FIS) at Cape Town International Airport further assisted by providing critical communication relay support between airborne assets and coordinating agencies.
Despite challenging sea and weather conditions, a total of 13 crew members were accounted for, comprising 12 survivors and one deceased individual recovered during the operation. Regrettably, five crew members remain missing following an extensive multi-agency search effort.
All aerial operations were conducted under the authority and direction of the MRCC in accordance with established South African Search and Rescue protocols, with close coordination between maritime, aviation, and emergency response stakeholders.
GMSRS and Medevac Africa, together with our aviation partners Cape Town Helicopters and Cape Town Aviation, extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of those affected by this tragic incident.
We further acknowledge the exceptional coordination and leadership of the MRCC, as well as the efforts of all vessels on scene who played a critical role in the rescue of survivors under difficult conditions. We would like to specifically recognise the vital role of our aviation partners, Cape Town Helicopters and Cape Town Aviation, whose aircraft, crews, and operational support enable the delivery of this specialised aerial search and rescue capability.
Our sincere thanks are also extended to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their technical support, and to Flight Information Services (FIS) and SAR personnel at Cape Town International Airport for their ongoing operational assistance.
This incident highlights the importance of coordinated, multi-agency search and rescue capability, and reinforces Medevac Africa’s ongoing commitment, together with our aviation partners, to supporting maritime and aeromedical SAR operations across the region, maintaining readiness to respond rapidly when called upon.
Medevac Africa remains available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for maritime medical evacuation and search and rescue operations.
Contact Information
For emergency medical rescue or search and rescue activations, contact the GMSRS 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC): +27 87 22 33 180
For general media enquiries, contact our office during office hours on +27 87 073 6700 or email media@gmsrs.com
