Video: Former Navy officer disappears in Hazelmere Dam
A helicopter-assisted search was launched after a former Navy officer disappeared while trying to retrieve a jet ski at a KZN dam.
A 54-year-old former Navy officer and businessman is presumed to have drowned at Hazelmere Dam during celebrations marking his 54th birthday, prompting a helicopter-assisted search operation yesterday afternoon (May 29).
The Witness reports that, according to Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), its helicopter, ZS-HXM, took off at 16:25 to assist in the search for the missing man.
Rusa said metro police officers and reaction officers were on the scene conducting a search-and-rescue operation.
Attempt to retrieve jet ski
Witnesses reported that the man had been celebrating his birthday with friends at the dam when he attempted to swim to a jet ski that had drifted away in strong winds.
He reportedly entered the water in an effort to retrieve the jet ski but went underwater and did not resurface.
Rusa said the man is presumed to have drowned.
Additional information received by rescuers indicates that the missing man is a former Navy officer and businessman.
Search suspended
The aerial search operation was halted last night due to poor visibility, rain and strong winds.
Rusa said further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
Watch the video:
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on witness.co.za
