Morning-Composer

The Subtech tug "Reier" which was on a return voyage from Richards Bay was involved in the search for the captain and his wife. At 02h30 on May 1 she overheard the Morning Composer reporting to Durban port control that they had a Man Overboard situation. The "Reier" immediately altered course towards the vessel and informed Port Control that as they were the nearest vessel able to respond he would begin the surface search while assisting with the co-ordination of the search. All the crew were posted as lookouts and searchlights were deployed. An NPA helicopter joined the search. At 03h30 a number of lifejackets were found which the "Reier" recovered. The helicopter then had to return to the port while the "Reier" continued the search and maintained a datum for the helicopter’s return. On the return of the helicopter the first body was spotted 70m from the "Reier". The NSRI was then called in to recover the body. Shortly thereafter the second body was discovered which the NSRI subsequently also recovered.