Verwoerdpark family seeks help after tragic boating accident

A freak boating accident tragically altered a Verwoerdpark family’s holiday plans, leaving one member in critical condition and another struggling with emotional trauma on December 1.

Marcel Conradie, his fiancée, Mariaan van Niekerk, and their young daughter, Mia, were involved in the accident during what was supposed to be a day of family enjoyment.

According to Conradie, they were fishing with friends and family at the Bronkhorstspruit Dam on December 1 after a competition on November 30. He said that while fishing, his boat lost power. A friend was close behind him with his family, and the worst happened.

Serious injuries

The accident saw Van Niekerk sustain severe injuries, including a large gash in her upper right leg from the boat’s propeller, multiple broken bones in her arm and other cuts and bruises.

Fortunately, Mia emerged physically unharmed from the ordeal, though emotionally shaken by the sight of her mother’s injuries.

Conradie, while also injured, acted swiftly, rescuing his family from immediate danger, but despite his best efforts, Van Niekerk sustained life-threatening injuries.

“I am struggling now but must be strong for my family. I’ve always put Mariaan and Mia first. I tried my absolute best to keep them safe, but it wasn’t enough this time. Still, by God’s grace, we are alive and holding onto hope,” Conradie said.

Van Niekerk was airlifted from the scene and rushed to the Milpark Hospital, where she is in the trauma ICU.

Conradie, who has taken on the responsibility of caring for Van Niekerk and Mia, is doing everything he can to stay strong during this challenging time.

However, the road ahead is long and uncertain, with Van Niekerk undergoing multiple surgeries to repair her damaged leg, including a large wound where part of her upper leg was torn away.

She is also dealing with broken bones, cuts and muscle damage, and each surgery is expected to take between four to five hours, with recovery periods between them.

Doctors told the family that these surgeries would need to happen every 36 to 72 hours for the foreseeable future.

Sole breadwinner

Despite having medical aid, the Conradie family faces significant financial strain because the hospital treating Van Niekerk is not covered by their insurance, and the medical aid does not fully cover the costs of the surgeries, specialists, and other expenses.

To make matters worse, Van Niekerk was due to start a new job on December 2 as a draughtswoman in a male-dominated industry. Unfortunately, her contract work does not provide income during her recovery period, leaving the family without two essential incomes.

Conradie made an emotional plea to the public for assistance: “I’m not one to ask for help, but we’re in a tough position right now. We’ve had a difficult two years already, and this accident has tipped us over the edge. If anyone can assist in any way, financially or otherwise, we would be deeply grateful,” he said.

Since the accident, Van Niekerk has had several surgeries, including one on December 9, where doctors found signs of infection and put a drain in her arm to manage it.

The family remains hopeful that the surgeries will improve her condition, but they are taking it day by day.

“We are facing a long road ahead, but I know the Lord is watching over us and guiding us through this. We will keep praying and staying strong as a family. I’ll keep everyone updated as we go,” Conradie said.

For those wishing to help, call Conradie on 073 178 7704, and he will provide more details and connect people with first responders and medical professionals who can confirm the situation.

Alternatively, to donate, use the BackaBuddy link: Mariaans recovery and assistance fund

As the family struggles with the emotional and financial challenges of this tragic event, community support will be vital as they navigate the months ahead.