Sons give tribute to their father, the German tourist who drowned in Jozini houseboat fire

The sons of Michael Mirschel (64), the German national who drowned in the Shayamanzi I houseboat fire on Saturday have posted an emotional tribute to their father.

Alex and Mario Mirschel were guests on the Shayamanzi I, a popular Lake Jozini houseboat with their father when the fire occurred.

As a result, Michael drowned alongside crew chef, Michael Phiri (51) with the presumed drowning of Maxwell Nyawo (64), another crew member.

The houseboat is owned by Ballito businesspeople Roger and Kim Blevin.

“The last 48 hours have been the worst of our lives,” the brothers wrote on Facebook (translated from German).

“When we were watching the elephants from a small dinghy, a storm suddenly came and we headed back to the big houseboat where dad and Robert were waiting with the rest of the crew.

“We suddenly saw a fire on the house boat and rushed back. When we arrived, the whole boat was on fire and it was just a jump in the water for Dad. Unfortunately our dinghy got too close to the flames, so we also had to jump at the last second.

“As the gas tanks exploded we panicked, fighting high waves and a strong underflow and the certainty of having crocodiles in the lake.

“Dad was already in so much shock that unfortunately he did not find any energy to fight for himself. I was able to reach him but could not keep him up on my own.”

The group of 6 survivors, which included 2 crew and 4 guests, were unable to resuscitate Michael once they reached shore.

“I am so sorry. I wanted to show him why I love South Africa so much and I did everything to make sure we have the most beautiful visit.

“And it hurts so much to handle these pictures and this powerlessness. We really tried everything! We are heartbroken.”

The search continues for Maxwell Nyamo by divers from the Saps Empangeni search and rescue team.

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.”

The Shayamanzi I was a 25 by 8 metre double pontoon boat that had been in operation on the dam since 2002.

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

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