Famous Knysna Paddle Cruiser gets that early-morning sinking feeling

A boat that normally carries visitors across the Knysna estuary partially capsized on Friday.

"The accident happened during the early hours of this morning. No one was on board and no one was hurt," said the Featherbed Company in a statement.

Officials are working to find the cause of the incident.

The vessel, named the Paddle Cruiser, takes guests on lunch and dinner cruises through the lagoon throughout the year. It is believed to be South Africa's only paddle-driven large vessel.

According to Martin Hatchuel, a horticulturist at Featherbed who was at the scene, the incident was unprecedented. "We have every possible safety measure in place, so it's new ground for all of us," he said.

Hatchuel praised the efforts of local officials and volunteers who were working to right the ship.

There is concern that the vessel could leak diesel. "Personnel on the scene are taking steps to prevent further damage to the vessel and to prevent any pollution of the estuary," said the statement.

Hatchuel was not worried about this becoming a larger problem. "It is a minor concern because as far as we know, there is no damage to the diesel tank," he told TimesLIVE.

Other services offered in the area, such as eco-tours of the Featherbed Nature Reserve and other boat trips on the lagoon, are expected to continue as normal.