A fire on the Shayamanzi I, a popular houseboat on the Jozini Dam, claimed the lives of a guest and a crew member yesterday, with a second crew member still missing.

The cause of the fire, at around 4.30pm on October 9, has not been confirmed but resulted in the drowning of both the guest and crew member and the presumed drowning of a second crew member, confirmed KZN Saps spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala.

Captain Gwala further said there had been 9 people on the boat, 6 of which had survived the fire.

A search is ongoing for the missing person by members of the Saps Empangeni search and rescue team.

Ballito-based owners Roger and Kim Blevin said they were devastated by the tragedy.

On the company Facebook page they wrote: “We are devastated and are doing everything possible to understand and support the investigation and impact on our guests, crew and their families.”

“On behalf of the Shayamanzi Team our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We mourn with you.”

According to the same Facebook page, the Shayamanzi I was a 25 by 8 meter double pontoon boat that has been in operation on the dam since 2002.

An inquest docket into the incident has been opened by Jozini Saps.