Diving accident claims life of a Vryheid resident in Umkomaas

A TRAGIC and, as yet unexplained diving accident in Umkomaas yesterday claimed the lives of Adele Stegen Van Deventer (45) from Vryheid and her dive partner, Peter Timm (51) from Sodwana.

It is believed that Stegen, who was an avid technical diver and Timm, a world renowned diver who discovered the rare Coelacanth in Sodwana in 2000, were hired by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the South African Association for Marine Biological Research to recover a ‘scoop’ which had fallen off a research vessel in the area.

According to a source, the pair had descended to a depth of approximately 60 metres. During the ascent, Stegen encountered some trouble and was assisted by Timm, who managed to get her back to the rescue boat, where he, himself, collapsed.

Both divers died on the boat, according to a source, despite attempts to resuscitate them.

Adele’s biggest dream came true in March, when, with the help of Timm, she became the first South African woman to see a Coelacanth in it’s natural habitat off the coast of Sodwana.

“Will miss her ‘underwater’ stories so much!” said a friend.