A Scotsman and Irish woman died when yacht capsized off coast of South Africa

Laura Hodgetts
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A Scottish man and an Irish woman died when their yacht capsized off the West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa yesterday.

At 04h31 on 1 February, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) crews were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following reports of a yacht capsized between Bokpunt and Gansekraal.

An NSRI Melkbosstrand sea rescue craft was launched and NSRI rescue vehicles, from Yzerfontein and Melkbosstrand, the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS and an EMS rescue squad and a Police Dive Unit responded.

Picture credit: Mariette De Jager/NSRI

Picture credit: Mariette De Jager/NSRI

The yacht Tara was found broken up in amongst rocks on the shore line.

It is unknown what caused the yacht to run aground and it could not be confirmed if it had capsized before running aground. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) will investigate.

There were three crew members on-board the yacht reportedly sailing from Langebaan to Cape Town.

One survivor

A 66-year-old Irish man, a resident in the Western Cape, had managed to get to shore and he had raised the alarm. He was not injured.

The bodies of a 61-year-old Scotsman, and a 49-year-old Irish woman, both residents in the Western Cape, were located and recovered from the scene and Paramedics confirmed that they were both deceased. Their bodies have been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.

Picture credit: Mariette De Jager/NSRI

Picture credit: Mariette De Jager/NSRI

An inquest docket has been opened by police.

A spokesman for Sea Rescue South Africa said: ‘Family are being assisted by foreign consulates and sincerest condolences are expressed to family and friends by all emergency services involved in the operation.’