Fishing Vessel on Cape Peninsular Beach

'Eihatsu Maru' a 50 m Japanese registered long-liner is aground on South Africa's Cape Peninsular Beach

The vessel has been on the beach for several days due to heavy surf. Most of those on board had been taken off the vessel, and all were safe, including the ship's dog.

Disaster Risk Management spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said they would try to move the vessel again again shortly depending on conditions.

Crowds gathered to watch from the edges of the beach, with others looking out from their homes, and above from Victoria Road, until rain forced them to leave.

The fishing vessel ran aground in thick fog, but had not been significantly damaged, a salvage company said, allaying fears of possible oil pollution.
A first attempt to tow the vessel off the beach was made at high tide on Saturday night.

None of the 28 Taiwanese crew aboard – along with a dog named Ally – was hurt when the ship ran aground.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesman Craig Lambinon said rescuers evacuated 19 fishermen. Nine crew, including the captain, stayed on board.