Verdict still pending on Meob disaster

THE Marine Court investigating the sinking of the MFV Meob Bay fishing vessel off Lüderitz in June 2002 has postponed concluding its enquiry by another three months.

The tragedy resulted in the death of 19 sailors. Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication spokesperson, Julius Ngweda, said the first session was held at Lüderitz from April 19 to 23 and evidence was presented by five witnesses.He said more evidence was needed and the hearing was postponed to July 6 before conclusion and judgement.The Meob Bay was Namibia’s biggest sea disaster.Marco Fishing said its own investigations had led to the arrest in Cape Town of a diamond mining vessel, the Lady S, which was suspected of having left rope in the sea that was linked to the Meob Bay’s sinking.Ngweda said the Lüderitz enquiry was looking at the general conduct of the officers of the trawler, as well as the training of the crew in the handling and operation of life-saving equipment on board the vessel.International legislation has been in place since February 2002, stipulating that all seafarers must first attend a familiarisation course before going to sea, with a refresher course after five years A period of grace was given to train all current seafarers.The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (Namfi) is the only licensed organisation in Namibia that offers the course.The course includes first aid training, fire fighting, survival and social responsibility on board a vessel.Crew members are also supposed to wear life jackets while working on board and to take part in regular safety drills.A previous maritime incident took place in 1990 when a monk fishing vessel, the Elly, ran aground at Sandwich Harbour.No lives were lost.Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication spokesperson, Julius Ngweda, said the first session was held at Lüderitz from April 19 to 23 and evidence was presented by five witnesses.He said more evidence was needed and the hearing was postponed to July 6 before conclusion and judgement.The Meob Bay was Namibia’s biggest sea disaster.Marco Fishing said its own investigations had led to the arrest in Cape Town of a diamond mining vessel, the Lady S, which was suspected of having left rope in the sea that was linked to the Meob Bay’s sinking.Ngweda said the Lüderitz enquiry was looking at the general conduct of the officers of the trawler, as well as the training of the crew in the handling and operation of life-saving equipment on board the vessel.International legislation has been in place since February 2002, stipulating that all seafarers must first attend a familiarisation course before going to sea, with a refresher course after five years A period of grace was given to train all current seafarers.The Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (Namfi) is the only licensed organisation in Namibia that offers the course.The course includes first aid training, fire fighting, survival and social responsibility on board a vessel.Crew members are also supposed to wear life jackets while working on board and to take part in regular safety drills.A previous maritime incident took place in 1990 when a monk fishing vessel, the Elly, ran aground at Sandwich Harbour.No lives were lost.