Memorial service held for drowned woman
Constant rains since the December holidays have made the search for the body difficult.
FAMILY and friends of Chanel van Eeden, who is presumed to have drowned in an Amanzimtoti beach during the festive season, held a memorial service for her on January 11, while the search for the body continues.
Also read: Woman who drowned in Amanzimtoti still missing
Chanel, who was visiting from Gauteng, had been on holiday and had gone to the beach behind L’Escalier flats in the company of two friends on December 21, after leaving a popular pub on Beach Road. Speaking on behalf of Chanel’s family, Dawn Gounden of Renegades Search and Rescue said contrary to stories that have been circulating since Chanel went missing, she was not swimming at the time of the incident.
“They had decided to take a stroll on the beach in the evening, and while she was standing next to the water, a sudden wave swept her off. The two acquaintances she was with tried to help, but she was carried away and disappeared,” said Dawn.
A search commenced soon after a distress call was logged, but it has turned up nothing. Dawn said the search will continue until the body is found, but to date, aerial and ground searches have turned up nothing.
“Since Chanel was swept away in December, the sea has been murky and has never cleared because of the constant rains that bring silt and mud from the rivers. If it could become clear enough, there is hope that she may be found because the body might be stuck somewhere it can’t be seen. Once she is found, her family will have a proper funeral,” said Dawn.
She described Chanel as a loving wife to her husband, Guillaume, and a doting mother to their children.
“The family has so many unanswered questions, and they don’t have closure. Her parents and husband are traumatised and want to have a proper funeral,” she said.
Dawn thanked Detective Judy Mbokazi and local security companies who have assisted in the search.
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