Drowned boy’s dog stays by his side

The boy’s dog went up and down the river eagerly searching for him.


A 12-year-old boy was reportedly crossing the Mvoti River near Groutville this afternoon in KwaZulu-Natal when he lost his footing and was swept away, North Coast Courier reports.

One of the boy’s friends pointed out where he fell into the river. Photo: IPSS Medical Rescue.

Police divers from Durban Search and Rescue, IPSS Medical Rescue’s aquatic team, as well as the KwaDukuza Fire Department and lifeguards, were called out to search for him.

The boy’s loyal dog stands on the river bank anxiously looking in the water for his master. Photo: IPSS Medical Rescue.

IPSS Medical Rescue’s Paul Herbst said one of the boy’s friends pointed out where he was last seen.

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“A dive operation was carried out, and the victim’s body was recovered from a depth of seven metres and was handed over to KwaDukuza police,” said Herbst.

During the search, Herbst said they had a special helper.

“The boy’s dog was going up and down the river, getting into the water with us, eagerly searching for him. When we recovered the body, the dog refused to leave his side.”

Caxton News Service

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