Family, friends pay tribute to Durban North Metro officer who died in drowning accident

A METRO Police officer, who is believed to have died in a freak diving accident off Westbrook Beach on Sunday, will be remembered for his infectious smile and for helping others in need.

Friends and family paid tribute to the passing inspector, Anthony ‘Sox’ Pattison, who served in the Metro Police for more than 25 years. 

Steve Middleton, head of the Durban Metro Police, confirmed the news of the 54-year-old’s passing on Sunday. 

“It is with deep sadness that I advise of the sad passing of our friend and colleague, Inspector Anthony Pattison. May your soul rest in peace Anthony. You will always be a proud eThekwini Durban Metro Police officer,” he said.

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Spokesperson for the Metro Police, senior superintendent Parboo Sewpersad praised Pattison saying he was a true gentleman.

”He was a true policeman who respected everyone around him and always performed his duties with a smile. In a decorated career, spanning more than 25 years, he was attached to various units within Metro Police and was serving in the armoury at the time of his passing. He was just an awesome guy and we share the pain of his death and offer our sincere condolences to his friends and family,” Sewpersad said. 

Speaking about the incident, Shawn Herbst, spokesperson for Netcare 911 said paramedics responded to a diver in distress in the water off Westbrook Beach on Sunday.

“Reports from the man’s dive partner suggest that the cray-fisherman got into difficulty while diving. The man had disappeared from sight and a search was initiated to locate him. The authorities were notified and the lifeless man was recovered. A full advanced life support resuscitation was initiated however despite best efforts had not survived,” Herbst explained. 

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