KZN man’s rescue attempts land him in deep water

Another tragedy was narrowly avoided on Tuesday morning when a farm manager, Francois Maree, got into difficulties with a friend while using jet skis on the Buffalo River to assist with the hunt for three missing people feared to have been swept away by floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Natal Courier reports.

The heavy rain had turned the Buffalo River into a swirling mass of rapids. Francois’s friend managed to get to safety, while Francois found himself being taken by the river.

READ MORE: Expect heavy rain and possible flooding, warns the SA Weather Service

He managed to tie himself to a willow tree, to which he clung on to throughout Monday night.

The alarm was raised, and members of the Search and Rescue Team, police divers and farmers came to assist.

The Buffalo River in flood where Francois and a friend got into difficulties

Francois was airlifted to safety and, while cold and hungry, he appeared to be in good spirits.

He was given a medical examination by ER24 paramedics who were present. The family thanked all those involved in his dramatic rescue.

Expect heavy rain and possible flooding, warns the SA Weather Service

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