One Nigerian confirmed dead and five missing after the tugboat LEO sank off the South African coast amid stormy weather. Rescue operations are ongoing

A Nigerian national has been confirmed dead following the sinking of the tugboat LEO in South African waters on Saturday night.

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The vessel, carrying 18 people, reportedly ran aground amid rough weather conditions. While 12 crew members were rescued, five others remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue.

The Federal Government confirmed the incident in a statement by Dr. Magnus Eze, spokesperson for the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

According to the statement, South African transport authorities alerted Nigerian officials after the tugboat encountered difficulties approximately 18 nautical miles off the coast, between Cape Town and Durban. The vessel was en route to Lagos after undergoing repairs in South Africa.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, confirmed one fatality and stated that survivors are being transported to Port Elizabeth, where officials from the Nigerian High Commission are providing support.

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The Federal Government emphasized that it is in close contact with South African authorities as efforts continue to locate the missing crew. Severe weather conditions have been cited as a key factor in the incident, though full circumstances are still under investigation.