Merebank fisherman (73) drowns

THE body of a 73-year-old Merebank subsistence fisherman washed up at his favourite spot at Cuttings Beach a day after fisherfolk reportedly saw him being swept away into the sea while fishing.

The pensioner said goodbye to his 74-year-old wife at about 16:00 on Monday, April 4 as he left to fish at his usual fishing spot. Fisherfolk returned to his home under an hour later with his rod, claiming they had seen him disappear into the water after the tide swept him into the sea.

Communications officer of the Wentworth SAPS, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said members of the Metro Search and Rescue Unit called off the search after dark.

“Police are investigating an inquest. The man’s friend witnessed him slip off and being swept away. He disappeared into the water. The friend, who was also fishing at the time, tried to rescue him, but it was too late. The SAPS and Metro Search and Rescue Unit were called to conduct a search and couldn’t find the deceased’s body. The search was called off since the vicinity was becoming too dark. On Tuesday, April 5, the deceased body was discovered along the sea sand by a friend at 10:25. The body was handed over to the SAPS. The inquest investigation continues,” said Gumede.

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The man’s funeral has not been scheduled due to the family awaiting the results from a post mortem.

Read the full story in the next edition of the Southlands Sun. 

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