EYBORG (IMO 8812057) Table Bay, Cape Town
Fishing Vessel Observed in Table Bay
EYBORG (IMO 8812057), a fishing vessel with an Icelandic history, photographed during manoeuvres across Table Bay, Cape Town. |
| EYBORG (IMO 8812057) Table Bay, Cape Town |
Photographer's Note: VSC POLLUX (IMO 9692650) Table Bay, Cape Town was photographed by Vernon Chalmers in Table Bay, Cape Town. The image forms part of the Vernon Chalmers Photography Maritime Studies Project and is also published in the Shipspotting.com database.
An Icelandic Fishing Vessel Observed in Table BayEYBORG (IMO 8812057)
The commercial and working vessels observed in Table Bay represent a broad range of maritime activities. Some are readily identifiable as container ships, bulk carriers or tankers. Others require closer investigation to understand their original design, operational classification and place within the international fishing industry.On 3 November 2026, I photographed EYBORG (IMO 8812057) from the Milnerton Lighthouse reference point, with the Port of Cape Town as the geographical reference.
The vessel presented a distinctive profile. Its blue-and-white hull, forward accommodation, extended working deck and equipment positioned towards the stern distinguish it from the conventional cargo ships regularly observed along the Cape Town coastline.
The observation also produced an interesting sequence of movements across Table Bay, making EYBORG a particularly useful addition to the Maritime Observation System (MOS).
Vessel Particulars
- Ship Type: Fishing Vessel / Trawler
- IMO Number: 8812057
- MMSI: 668116558
- Call Sign: S9A3558
- Flag: São Tomé and Príncipe
- Year Built: 1993 (33 years old)
- Gross Tonnage: 522
- Length Overall (LOA): 44.95 m (approx. 45 m)
- Beam (Width): 7.90 m
- Current Draught: 5.4 m
Vessel identification and background
EYBORG is registered as a fishing vessel under IMO number 8812057. The vessel was built in 1994 by Estaleiros São Jacinto in Aveiro, Portugal, according to historical vessel records.
Its recorded dimensions are approximately 45 metres in length and 7.9 metres in beam. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 522.
Historical records identify EYBORG as an Icelandic vessel, associated with the home port of Hrisey and the call sign TFCB. Its earlier fishing identity is also reflected in historical photographs and vessel records.
However, the AIS identity associated with its November 2026 Cape Town voyage is different. The vessel is listed under the flag of São Tomé and Príncipe, with MMSI 668116558 and a different call sign. The photograph also appears to show São Tomé and Príncipe identification on the stern.
This distinction is important when documenting a vessel with a long operational history. Its original construction, historical registration and more recent AIS identity are separate elements of its maritime record.
A working fishing vessel
The photograph shows a vessel configured around a substantial open working deck rather than the enclosed cargo arrangements associated with conventional merchant ships.
The forward superstructure accommodates the bridge and crew facilities. Behind it, the long working deck extends towards the stern, with railings and equipment distributed along its length.
The stern arrangement and deck equipment are consistent with a specialised fishing vessel. Historical records classify EYBORG as a stern trawler.
Trawlers use fishing gear to capture fish, with the particular configuration depending on the fishing method and target species. Stern trawlers generally deploy and recover their fishing gear over the stern, using equipment designed to manage nets and associated operations.
The photograph provides a useful record of EYBORG's external arrangement. It does not, however, establish the precise fishing method being used during this particular voyage or whether fishing equipment was operational at the time of observation.
Maritime Observation System
The Table Bay observation: 3 November 2026
The most interesting aspect of this observation was not simply the vessel's presence, but its movement across Table Bay.
EYBORG approached the port with the Milnerton Lighthouse and Robben Island Lighthouse forming the initial reference points. As the vessel moved closer to the Port of Cape Town, its subsequent movement became less straightforward.
Over approximately one hour, I observed the vessel manoeuvring extensively across the Bay. It appeared to occupy at least four stationary positions during this period.
The vessel's movement suggested that it was not following a simple, uninterrupted approach towards the harbour entrance. However, the observation alone does not establish the reason for the manoeuvring.
There are several possible explanations for a vessel changing position or remaining stationary in the approaches to a port. These can include waiting for port instructions, anchoring, adjusting position in response to traffic or undertaking other operational activities. None of these explanations can be confirmed from the photograph or visual observation alone.
After approximately one hour, I lost track of EYBORG. I therefore cannot confirm whether the vessel subsequently entered the Port of Cape Town.
This uncertainty is retained deliberately. The MOS record should distinguish what was directly observed from what might later be established through AIS history or port documentation.
V&A Waterfront Cape Town Photography
AIS identity and voyage context
AIS information provides an additional source of context for the observation.
Available tracking records associated EYBORG with a voyage towards Cape Town, listing CAPE TOWN as its reported destination. The AIS record identifies the vessel as a fishing vessel under the São Tomé and Príncipe flag.
AIS information can help reconstruct a vessel's movement, but it needs to be interpreted carefully. Reported destinations are generally entered by the vessel and do not independently confirm a port booking, arrival or completed port call.
Likewise, a stationary AIS position does not necessarily establish that a vessel was anchored. The vessel's navigational status, speed, position history and surrounding circumstances need to be considered together.
For this reason, the four stationary positions observed during the Table Bay session remain a photographic and observational record rather than a confirmed account of the vessel's operational activity.
Table Bay Maritime Environment Through Photography
EYBORG within the Maritime Observation System
The observation of EYBORG illustrates why the Maritime Observation System extends beyond photographing a vessel and recording its name.
The process begins with the visible subject and its geographical context. The IMO number then provides a permanent identification reference through which historical and current vessel information can be investigated.
In this case, the research revealed a vessel with an established Icelandic fishing history and a different flag and AIS identity associated with its more recent voyage.
The observation also introduces a useful distinction between vessel identity and vessel movement. Its registered particulars help explain what EYBORG is, while the sequence of positions across Table Bay raises questions about what it was doing during the observation period.
These are different research elements and should be documented separately.
A different working vessel in Table Bay
EYBORG adds a fishing vessel to the growing Table Bay Vessel Register. Its appearance differs considerably from the container ships, bulk carriers, tankers and specialised cargo vessels documented in other MOS observations.
The photograph provides a clear record of its hull configuration, bridge position and working deck. The accompanying investigation adds its historical identity, vessel classification and the change in its recorded flag and AIS particulars.
The movement across Table Bay makes this observation particularly interesting. Although the reason for the manoeuvring and the vessel's eventual port status remain unconfirmed, the sequence provides a useful starting point for further investigation.
Through MOS, the objective is to preserve both the visual evidence and the questions that emerge from it. Not every observation produces an immediate explanation. Sometimes the most accurate record is one that identifies what is known, documents what was seen and leaves unresolved details open for future verification.
References
MarineLink vessel particulars: historical construction details, Icelandic registration, dimensions and stern-trawler classification.Shipspotting historical vessel record: historical Icelandic identity and photographs.
Wingo Marine AIS record: São Tomé and Príncipe flag, MMSI and Cape Town voyage information.
Marine Vessel Traffic particulars: fishing-vessel classification and current AIS identity.
Photographic Equipment
Cameras: Canon EOS R6 Mark III
Lenses: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
Photographic Genre: Maritime Photography / Ship Spotting
Post Processing: Adobe Lightroom Classic Version 15
Lighthouse Reference Points
Green Point Lighthouse
Milnerton Lighthouse
Robben Island Lighthouse
V&A Waterfront: A Table Bay Reference Point
Maritime Location: Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
