Inyaka Dam, renowned for floating logs and hidden tree stumps, claimed a fishing boat worth more than R300 000 during a competition last Saturday.
The East Rand Bassmaster – an  annual in-house bass fishing competition which runs over two days – saw about 28 fishermen take to the water.
The tournament came to an abrupt halt for Mr Peter Quadling when a log, estimated to be around 50 metres long and 40 centimetres thick, ripped off his boat’s motor.
“We were doing about 80 or 90 kilometres per hour when the incident occurred,” Quadling said.
“I tried to reduce speed but the moment I saw the log, it was too late.”
The motor hung by the electrical cables. Quadling attempted to use his trolling motor to get to shore but water started seeping in, and before he knew it, the boat capsized.
Another contestant, Ms Raquel Labuschagne, told Hazyview Herald the day’s strong wind might have pushed the log to the middle of the dam.
The boat was recovered and taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the damage was irreparable. The fishermen escaped unscathed.
With the final of the Lowveld Bass Trail coming up at Inyaka Dam, fishermen are warned to take care
when travelling on the dam.