Fishermen rescued from burning boat

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescued 11 fishermen from a burning boat off Mossel Bay harbour on Thursday, said a spokesperson.

The 16-metre long Gurusan was five nautical miles off Gouritz and 17 nautical miles from the Mossel Bay harbour when it sent out a mayday at 5.45pm, reporting a fire on board, said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

The NSRI launched two rescue craft. A fishing vessel in the area, the Bowfaith, also went to help.

By the time they got to the stricken vessel, however, its crew had extinguished the fire.