Update: Paddle Cruiser capsize

Gallery Update

KNYSNA NEWS - A resident of Laguna Grove on the Knysna Waterfront, was woken by a loud noise early this morning.

As she rushed to the balcony overlooking the lagoon, she heard crockery and furniture crashing on the Paddle Cruiser as the vessel keeled over onto its side.

''It was quite a racket," she told Knysna-Plett Herald later in the morning amidst the flashing lights and bustle of the police, SANparks officials and emergency vehicles.

By this time, the port-side was partially submerged and water was being pumped from the boat back into the estuary.

Click here for a photo gallery.

"We'll only really know what the cause is once we get it level again," a concerned Ronnie Webster of Featherbed Co. sighed as he watched the operation.

Knysna NSRI on the scene.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Paddle Cruiser partial capsize
08:30, Knysna, 12 April, 2019

"The Featherbed Co., operators of the motor vessel, Paddle Cruiser, regrets to confirm the partial capsize of the boat at the company's ferry terminus on Remembrance Drive. The port (left) side of the vessel is lying under water, and is resting on the Estuary floor.

"The accident happened during the early hours of this morning. No one was on board at the time, and nobody sustained any injuries.

"The cause of the accident will probably only be ascertained when the vessel has been righted.

"Management and members of the company's staff were in attendance by 7:00 a.m., with volunteer crew of NSRI Station 12, Knysna, arriving to assist with stabilisation shortly after. Officials and rescue services from the Knysna Municipality, and representatives of SANParks, which manages the Estuary, are also currently in attendance.

"Personnel on the scene are taking steps to prevent further damage to the vessel, and to prevent any pollution of the estuary.

"The company will continue normal services - eco-tours of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, and boat trips on the John Benn, Heads Explorer, Three Legs, and Knysna Rib Adventures - as normal from 10:00 a.m. today.

"Members of the public are requested to refrain from visiting the scene."

The cause of the accident is not yet known.