The body of a missing fisherman was recovered from Hartbeespoort Dam on Christmas Day. Authorities identified the man as being from Malawi, who had gone missing after his canoe capsized near Kosmos on Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.
Arthur Crewe, from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), described the panic of the situation: “We received a call from a member of the public at 16:14 who saw the canoe capsizing in the hyacinth. The fisherman did not surface, and a distress call was made to the NSRI. When we arrived at the scene, the canoe was also gone.” Crewe shared these details with reporters following the search operation.
Emergency services quickly mobilized to the area. The NSRI launched the rescue craft named Sea Legs and dispatched rescue swimmers to assist. The police's Water Wing was also notified, and together, they began searching the dam for signs of the missing man. “An extensive search operation revealed no signs of the local adult man believed to be from Malawi,” Crewe added. Despite their best efforts, as evening fell on Tuesday, the search yielded no results, and the operation was temporarily halted.
On Wednesday morning, police divers resumed the search alongside the NSRI and the Strategic Rescue Unit (SRU). Craig Lambinon, spokesperson for the NSRI, reported, “On Wednesday at around 10h30, police divers - assisted by the NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam and SRU, located and recovered the body of the man from the water.” The body was then taken care of by forensic pathology services for identification and investigation. The man's identity remains officially unconfirmed at this stage.
Authorities have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fisherman’s untimely death. Tragically, drowning incidents remain on the rise, and as Lambinon points out, “The NSRI cautions the public to be safe as drowning incidents increase.”
This incident at Hartbeespoort Dam is particularly heart-wrenching, occurring during the festive season, when families and friends gather to celebrate. The fisherman’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the hazards faced by those who enjoy water-related activities.
The broader community is deeply affected by this tragedy, as such events raise awareness about water safety. The authorities urge those who frequent areas like Hartbeespoort Dam to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of life jackets and other safety measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
This unfortunate event has drawn attention also because the fisherman's disappearance followed another incident on the same day, where authorities tragically reported the recovery of the body of a missing toddler from a river leading to Hartbeespoort Dam. The concurrent losses have brought about sorrow and raised concerns among local residents about water safety and monitoring conditions.
“The community is grieving two losses during this busy holiday season, which is not something we ever want to see,” Crewe remarked. It is important to honor these lives lost by ensuring lessons are learned and appropriate safety measures are put in place.
While the search for the missing fisherman concluded on Christmas, it has left behind many unanswered questions, urging local authorities and community members to reflect on water safety protocols and preventive measures. With the ability to enjoy the beauty of South Africa's lakes and rivers also come the responsibilities of ensuring safety practices are adhered to for all to enjoy the water without undue risk.
