Criminals besieging Hout Bay Harbour have met their match in a new harbour master who is clamping down on derelict vessels that have become home to gangsters, including an alleged "brothel" ship. Several locals spoke of dubious activity aboard the vessels. One said he had been held up at gunpoint in the harbour.Others said the "brothel ship" was popular with sex workers.Pumla Seni, the country's first female harbour master, has already won respect with a no-nonsense approach to crime at the once-peaceful fishing harbour.Police raided two derelict ships late last month, which have long been notorious crime hotspots.The crackdown coincides with Seni's pledge to reclaim the harbour with the help of the law-enforcement agencies. She voiced her concerns at a recent harbour stakeholder meeting.Ferry owner Ken Evans said: "My opinion of the harbour master is positive. She needs back-up from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries."Department spokesman Palesa Mokomele confirmed Seni's appointment, which coincides with a programme to revitalise small harbours under Operation Phakisa.Mokomele said: "The harbour masters have been requested to do a comprehensive status report on all operational matters in the harbours. This will include challenges pertaining to security."The report will be used to develop a plan and the implementation will be monitored on a monthly basis."All key stakeholders will be identified and partnerships will be forged to implement the plan effectively. The police are key to combating the alleged criminal activities within the harbours."The department declined to comment on reports that one of the ships was being used as a brothel.Hout Bay community leader Greg Louw welcomed Seni's appointment...