UPDATE: Safety first, experts warn after bakkie almost swept out to sea

Early on Monday morning a group of eager fisherman gathered at Salmon Bay to launch for a day out at sea.

Little did they realise the drama that was heading their way.

Shortly after 5am, Dirk Kriel of the Ballito Ski Boat Club was driving a bakkie belonging to a friend, Herman Labuschagne, to launch Labuschagne’s boat.

However, the steep slope and heavy swell surprised Kriel and before he knew it, water was up to the windows.

Also read: VIDEO: Bakkie goes for early morning swim at Salmon Bay

When the next wave rolled the Toyota Hilux over, Kriel had to think quickly.

“When I realised I was in trouble I immediately jumped out of the window,” Kriel told the Courier.

Kriel ran back to the permanent winch installed at the club’s launch site but it could not pull the bakkie out.

“We also tried to get it out with two other bakkies, but it just wasn’t going to come out.”

When the KwaDukuza Fire Department arrived to rescue the vehicle, it had been buffeted by waves for 45 minutes and was extensively damaged. After the bakkie ended up in the water, Labuschagne phoned Kriel from the boat to ask if he should come back.

“I told him what’s the point now, it has already happened. He may as well go enjoy his fishing.”

Launching into the surf can be a tricky task at the best of times.

Specialised Rescue Unit’s Quentin Power gave some advice to make sure your launch doesn’t turn into a tragedy.

“Firstly, inspect the beach and sea conditions. If conditions are not good do not go out – it is never more important to go fishing than it is to be safe. If there is a steep gradient you will need a tractor, especially for recovery of the boat when it beaches,” Power explained.

“Make sure your tires are the correct pressure and remember that not all sand is the same consistency.

The ‘softer’ it is the more you must deflate your wheels.” He also stressed that suitable vehicles should be used for launching and that they should be able to handle the weight of the craft.

“Also, very important: make sure you have safety on standby at the site and a backup plan in case something goes wrong with either the vehicle or the boat.”

Power said some of the more common mistakes people make are pushing a craft in incorrectly, especially when done by hand; not maintaining equipment; and mistiming the waves and trying to rush out. KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu said the Dolphin Coast has experienced a moderately heavy swell since Saturday but that nothing heavier was forecast.

“Some beaches are closed due to rough sea conditions but we are monitoring them,” Xulu said.

He urged people to follow lifeguards’ instructions and advised that beachgoers study the tidal timetables visible at all beaches.

At the end of the day, the lesson to be learned here is never to underestimate mighty Poseidon, as the sea-god is not to be trifled with.

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