Cape Town law enforcement agencies are on the hunt for 11 poachers who managed to evade arrest on Wednesday night.

The City’s Marine Enforcement and SANParks Marine units noted a suspicious vessel near the Witsand slipway. It made an abrupt turn and headed for Hout Bay. A high-speed chase ensued along Kommetjie, but the vessel entered the thick kelp. About 11 divers jumped into the waters and headed for shore.

Their 8m vessel, which was fitted with high-end equipment, was seized.

The City says that this indicates the severity of poaching in the Cape. It’s also suspected that poachers have links to organised gangs on the Cape Flats.