British woman survives in air pocket for two hours when tourist boat capsizes
PA
A British woman has been found alive under the hull of a catamaran that capsized off Hout Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa.
She was trapped for two hours and is believed to have survived because she found an air pocket which kept her alive in water at a temperature of around 11C, with 5ft waves. Two other women were later rescued from inside the hull and all three are now in hospital.
Sky News reports that it is not yet known what caused the tourist boat, called the Miroshga, to capsize near Duiker Island. It was travelling from the fishing port of Hout Bay to Duiker Island, which is known for its large seal colony.
At least one person died, including one Briton, and dozens were injured in the accident. Rescue teams are still searching for three people.
National Sea and Rescue Institute spokesman Craig Lambinon said that 41 people of different nationalities were onboard when the catamaran capsized.
According to the Daily Star, 38 passengers have now been accounted for.
The Telegraph reports that most passengers were quickly picked up by other nearby tourist boats who responded to the catamaran's distress siren.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office told the Telegraph: "We are aware that a boat has capsized in Hout Bay, Cape Town.
"We are in close touch with the authorities, and our Consul General has visited the port.
"The situation remains confused but we know that there are British Nationals involved and we are doing all we can to assist those who need it."
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