A British man and a South African crew member have been killed after their boat capsized while on a seal watching trip in Cape Town, South Africa, confirmed local officials.
The British man has been identified as Peter Hyett, 64, from Wales. He was on holiday in Cape Town with his wife Suzanna and daughter Helen, who were both on board the boat when it capsized, according to spokesman for the City of Cape Town, Mr. Wilfred Solomons-Johannes. The family were on the last day of their holiday when they decided to go seal watching on the Miroshaga charter vessel, operated by Southern Ambition Marine Safaris.
Mr. Hyett was declared dead on the scene by emergency officials who responded to the incident, and an autopsy is expected to be completed at Salt River State Mortuary to establish the cause of his death later this week. Mr. Hyett’s wife and daughter were taken to local hospitals where they were treated for minor injuries and have since been discharged.
According to a spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute, Mr. Craig Lambinon, there were 41 people on board the vessel when it capsized. 34 people were initially rescued from the scene by response teams, while dive teams were sent to search the hull of the vessel, which was upside down in the ocean. Two British tourists and a South African woman were rescued from within the hull by police divers. The women were using air pockets to breathe. According to Lambinon, the rescued women were ‘terrified’ and ‘distraught’.
The two British tourists were treated for advanced hypothermia and taken to a local hospital where they remain in a serious condition.
The body of the second deceased individual was recovered from the water the day after the incident occurred. He has since been identified as John Roberts, a South African resident who was one of the crew members on the vessel. One crew member is still missing.
An investigation is currently being carried out to determine the cause of the capsize. It is thought that the Miroshaga was hit by a large wave, which caused it to flip over. A tug boat will be used to recover the vessel later in the week.
The survivors of the incident, mostly foreign nationals, are being treated in various hospitals across the city. Cape Town mayor, Patricia de Lille, has extended her condolences to the families of the deceased.
