Missing Sodwana Bay charter boat found, no trace of skipper

The search for missing Sodwana Bay skipper John Matambu is ongoing after the burnt-out boat was located earlier this morning near Dobela.

Authorities involved in the search said the charter was made by a shady character supposedly for his wife, daughter and himself, but he was the only one who arrived in the morning.

They added that the information provided about where he was staying in Sodwana hasn’t checked out, and he was noticed in and around Sodwana the past few days. They are not sure how long.

⁠The boat was chartered to go quite far up the coast towards Mozambique.

⁠Matambu was last heard from at 11:30 yesterday, having reached the designated charter point. There has been no further contact from him, authorities said.

⁠A team of people have arrived at the boat’s location and are searching the area.

⁠The boat was definitely beached and the medical kit has been found, used and not burnt, authorities said.

⁠At this stage, people are being asked not to visit the boat location, as they are trying to preserve potential evidence and footprints.