JUST IN: Rising springtide claims man’s life as boat capsizes at Umkomaas
The search for the third person was hampered by murky water as well as the rising spring tide and a strong outward flow from the Umkomaas River.
The full moon springtide conditions which are prevalent currently claimed a 32-year-old Winklespruit municipal official’s life on Sunday afternoon, 31 January, when a rubber dingy capsized in rough, murky water at Umkomaas river mouth.
Ward 97 Cllr Andre Beetge shared his condolences in a social media posting about the incident.
He described how the adult man drowned when a rubber dingy capsized while carrying two adults and an eight-year-old boy. ER24 spokesman, Russell Meiring did not account for a second adult who Beetge said had swum back to shore after the capsizing.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: One dead as boat capsizes off Umkomaas
Steven Roos, the dive master of a boat belonging to Aliwal Shoal Scuba, which was returning from their last dive, witnessed the incident. An eyewitness who saw Roos promptly dive into the water and start towards the three, hailed him a hero.
Commenting on Beetge’s social media post, eyewitness Deiniol Powell-Rees said: “I was there and watched him swim in that rough sea and do two rescues, saving the young boy who was so very brave trying to swim in. A bravery award needs to be given to that diver.
Powell-Rees was one of those who assisted in taking the man to where paramedics worked on him.
According to Beetge, an adult managed to swim towards shore and was assisted by divers in the boat.
Roos continued towards the child who was subsequently taken to shore. Paramedics assessed and treated the boy before he was transported to a nearby private hospital by ER24.
The search for the third person was hampered by murky water as well as the rising spring tide and a strong outward flow from the Umkomaas River.
Once spotted, Roos again made towards the location and the third person was taken to shore, where willing hands assisted and rescue workers attempted to resuscitate him, without success.
“While onlookers appeared in agreement that Steven Roos was undoubtedly the hero of the day, it (was) a team effort by lifeguards and emergency services that could possibly have been avoided.
Beetge warned that the effects of the rising springtide should not be underestimated.
“We are currently experiencing full moon springtide conditions which is set to peak on Tuesday, 2 January, but will remain prevalent for the remainder of the week.”
“High tide is higher than normal, low tide lower than normal and rip currents much stronger than normal. This compromises the safety of bathers, anglers, paddlers, sail boarders and boaters. It is ironic that the incident involved Umkomaas locals and the deceased was confirmed as a municipal official employed in Winklespruit. Our condolences for their tragic loss go to his family and friends,” said Cllr Beetge, who remains in communication with emergency services.
