Family pays tribute to Ballito man who died while spearfishing with his son
Ballito's Daniel Albertyn was spearfishing with his 56-year-old father, Colin, at Thompson's Bay on Saturday, September 4, when Albertyn appeared to have a fit before disappearing underwater.
The 16-year-old boy who brought his dad’s body to shore is struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
Ballito’s Daniel Albertyn was spearfishing with his 56-year-old father, Colin, at Thompson’s Bay on Saturday, September 4, when Albertyn appeared to have a fit before disappearing underwater.
He is thought to have had a heart attack.
The family praised Daniel for his courage and said his swimming talent played a huge role in getting his father to shore.
“We are just so grateful that he was such a strong swimmer and able to bring his dad’s body ashore.
“He was recently awarded Natal colours for swimming and I believe that his swimming talent together with his desperate desire to save his dad, gave him the ability to pull him from the backline with no assistance,” said his aunt, Diane Albertyn Grunewald.
Albertyn moved to Ballito a month ago from Kloof.
He had been diving and spearfishing for more than 30 years.
His wife, Delene Albertyn said she met her husband 21 years ago and he was a wild redhead.
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Some people thought she was brave or stupid for marrying him.
“I saw the adventurous person with the witty sense of humour. He was a diamond-in-the-rough.
“He raced motocross in his late teenage years and made his mark, even though he was not kind on his body as he always pushed himself to the limit.
“Through 20 years of marriage, I was always told how crazy my husband was on a motorbike.
“He raced the Roof of Africa (when I was heavily pregnant with our son) and he could climb mountains,” said Delene.
She said due to his dynamic personality, Albertyn had a string of nicknames: Chaan, Colly Wolly, Rusty, Big Red, Big Guy, Crazy Fool, Daddy and Babes.
“These were just some of Colin’s nicknames and alludes to the kind of person he was.
“He was always able to make people laugh with all his antics. Always ready to help someone in need or to defend the weak against bullies.”
He had a private pilot’s license and shared many adventures with Delene flying to bush strips. They even got engaged on a little island in Lake Kariba.
He was a father to two children.
“Both my kids are caring and helpful to strangers because their daddy always modelled that. He taught not only our kids but also me, so much.
“If ever there was a reason for panic, Colin was always the calm one, reassuring those around him. He protected the underdogs. I know he is happy now with no more aches and pains as a result of his wild youth.
“Unfortunately, he won’t be able to watch Grand Prix, Moto GP or rugby with his parents and our son as he so loved to do.”
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