Reviews & Ratings for the Africana

The research vessel 'RS Africana' faced a significant setback on November 4, 2012, when it was towed back to Simon's Town Naval Base due to engine failure, attributed to the inadvertent pumping of water into its fuel tanks by the naval crew. This incident occurred just two weeks into an essential annual survey focused on the assessment of pelagic fish stocks and unfolded near the entrance to False Bay. Following the disturbance, the 'RS Africana' was escorted back to port by a naval vessel later that evening. Initial investigations suggest that either seawater may have been accidentally introduced into the fuel tanks rather than being directed into the ballast tanks, or fresh water contaminated the fuel supply. The vessel had set sail on October 23 and had successfully completed the majority of its pelagic survey along the West Coast before the mishap. In a related development earlier that year, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the postponement of a significant 50-day research expedition initially scheduled for mid-April, cancelling it thereafter. This cancellation was primarily due to the alarming condition of the 'RS Africana', which was reported to have rusted and corroded pipes, deteriorating cranes, expired fire extinguishers, malfunctioning valves, and an oil leak in the auxiliary generator, raising concerns about the vessel's operational readiness.

On June 15, 2011, the FRS Africana returned to Cape Town's naval base following an alarming incident off Cape Agulhas. The vessel collided with an unidentified object, leading to substantial damage, particularly in the sonar compartment, which experienced flooding that was managed through the use of dewatering pumps. By 4 p.m. the ship had successfully sealed all watertight compartments and began its journey toward Simon’s Town. In response to the situation, the Fisheries Patrol vessel Lilian Ngoyi departed from Simon’s Town later that evening to assist the stricken ship, which was located six miles off Quoin Point—approximately 130 km from Simon’s Town. Additionally, the vessel Sarah Baartman was placed on standby to support the operation. Upon arrival at port, a team of scientific personnel comprised of 13 members from the Fisheries branch and four from the Department of Environmental Affairs disembarked. At the time of the mishap, the Africana was engaged in the second leg of an important annual Pelagic Recruitment Survey, intended to assess the population of young sardines and anchovies within South African waters. The initial segment of the survey had been conducted from May 24 to June 8, covering the waters from the Orange River to Cape Point. The subsequent phase, set to run from June 8 to June 24 between Cape Point and Port Alfred, is now indefinitely on hold due to the grounding incident. As of now, the cause of the collision remains undetermined, and the Africana was crewed by 33 professionals from SMIT Amandla Marine, operating on behalf of the Fisheries branch.