‘UMKHUSELI’ ON CALL

The Emergency Towing Vessel ‘Umkhuseli’, operated by AMSOL in partnership with the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), remains on call 24/7/365 to respond to maritime emergencies. The vessel provides essential services including emergency towage, salvage, environmental protection, safety standby, and search and rescue.

Beyond emergency response, the ‘Umkhuseli’ plays an important role in maritime skills development, offering South African seafarers valuable sea-time experience under the guidance of AMSOL’s experienced Masters, Officers, and Crew. This hands-on training strengthens capacity for the next generation of maritime professionals.

Recent operations, led by Captain Tshepo Serero and supported by AMSOL’s shore-based teams, include:

February 2026: The ‘Umkhuseli’ responded to an emergency off Algoa Bay involving the ‘Shamrock Pride’ towing the barge ‘Maria 21’. Following mechanical failure and multiple incidents, a coordinated multi-party response ensured both vessels were safely managed, with towage operations successfully concluded in March.

March 2026: The vessel towed a bulk carrier to safety after it experienced engine failure and began drifting off Port Alfred, posing a navigational risk. The operation was completed over seven days.

April 2026: Additional support operations included towage coordination involving the bulk carrier ‘Medi-Roma’, as well as the tow of another bulk carrier which experienced engine failure off Cape Town.

These operations highlight the critical role the ‘Umkhuseli’ plays together with relevant stakeholders in safeguarding South Africa’s coastline while contributing to the development of sustainable skills and expertise.