One Dead, Five Missing After Nigerian Tugboat Sinks Off South African Coast.

A Nigerian tugboat named LEO sank off South Africa’s coast late on Saturday, February 28, 2026, resulting in one confirmed death and five crew members missing.

The vessel carried 18 crew members and had traveled to South Africa for repairs before heading back to Lagos.

It ran aground about 18 nautical miles offshore in stormy waters between Cape Town and Durban, leading to the sinking amid heavy seas.

South African authorities rescued 12 survivors, who are being transported to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for care.

Officials from Nigeria’s High Commission in South Africa are en route to assist them.

Official ResponseNigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed the South African Ministry of Transportation notified the Nigerian government.

Search and rescue operations by the South African Maritime Safety Authority continue for the five missing individuals.