Ballito local dies on Flight MH17

A North Coast resident was among the 298 passengers killed on Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 shot down by a ground-to-air missile while flying over Ukraine last week.

Dalziel (43), a Canadian Helicopter Corporation (CHC) pilot, was returning from simulator training in Amsterdam and would have gone on holiday with his wife Reine and sons Sheldon (14) and Cruz (4) this week.

Originally from Umhlanga Rocks, Dalziel and his family had been living at the Umhlali Country Club Golf Estate for the past 10 years.

He and his family had recently relocated to Miri, Malaysia, where Dalziel gave daily offshore support to the CHC, transporting staff to and from oil rigs and assisting with 24-hour medical emergencies.

A statement on the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) details Dalziel’s impressive rise through the ranks, beginning as a lifeguard with Lifeguard South Africa in Umhlanga.

He was among the first helicopter rescue swimmer lifeguards with the then John Rolfe Surf Rescue.

Dalziel continued when John Rolfe changed to Nokia Surf Rescue as a rescue pilot for missions along the Durban coastline. He also flew as a rescue pilot for the Vodacom/Netcare911 surf rescue programme.

He had been contracted to CHC Mozambique before transferring to Malaysia.

Dalziel’s neighbour, Umhali estate resident Dean Hammerich, said his death was a shock.

“When I first heard the news I thought Cameron had had an accident flying a helicopter. Then we were told he was a passenger, so his safety was out of his hands. It is ironic that he died on an aircraft.”

Dalziel was apparently only due to fly home to Malaysia on Friday, July 18 and there was initial confusion over whether he had been on flight MH17. His family had to go through the British Consulate to confirm his death, as he had been travelling on a British passport.

Hammerich described Dalziel as a friendly, lively character.

“Cameron was full of life and he loved flying. The only reason he took the job in Malaysia was to spend more time with his family. We will certainly miss him.”

Condolences have poured in from across the world, with many offering messages of support on Twitter and FaceBook.

Australia EMS lead paramedic Neil Moble tweeted a collage in tribute to Dalziel, adding this message: ‘#MH17 Mourning tragic loss of one of world’s best rescue helicopter pilots, Cameron Dalziel. Great man, father, husband.’

Umhlali Country Club chairman Ian Cat expressed his sympathy on behalf of the club.

“On behalf of UCC management we extend our condolences to his wife, Reine, his sons Sheldon and Cruz, and to the Schultz and Dalziel families.”

Hammerich said Dalziel’s wife and children would return this week.