JOHANNESBURG, March 2 (Xinhua) -- At least one person has been confirmed dead and five others remain missing after a Nigerian tugboat sank off the coast of South Africa on Saturday night, local media reported on Monday.

The vessel, identified as the LEO, was carrying 18 people and had originally traveled to South Africa for repairs. The tugboat was reportedly heading back to Lagos, Nigeria, when it ran aground in stormy conditions approximately 18 nautical miles offshore between Cape Town and Durban.

Twelve people were rescued from the turbulent waters and have been transported to Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. Nigerian diplomats from the High Commission are expected to meet the survivors there to provide assistance.

Search and rescue operations for the five missing crew members are currently ongoing, led by the South African Maritime Safety Authority. ■