Search for man who disappeared underwater at Hartbeespoort dam continues
An ongoing search is still being undertaken by police divers for a 40-year-old local man who went missing on Saturday afternoon after reportedly falling out of a boat, on the Hartbeespoort Dam.
The National Sea Rescue Institute confirmed on Monday, March 11 that police divers are continuing the ongoing search for a 40-year-old local man who went missing on Saturday afternoon after reportedly falling out of a boat.
The man disappeared close to Caribbean Estate (near Randburg Bridge) in the Hartbeespoort dam.
The NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam duty crew was activated at 14:28, Saturday, March 9.
Arthur Crewe, NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam station commander, said on Sunday that the crew were assisting police divers in an ongoing search for the man.
“A group of friends were on the boat when the man and two female friends went overboard in undetermined circumstances. The boat is believed to have not been underway [moving] at the time,” said Crewe.
The two females were recovered uninjured.
“Private boaters, who were in the area at the time, are commended for commencing a search while raising the alarm,” said Crewe.
Crewe said the NSRI rescue craft Sea Legs and Rotary Endeavour were launched while the SAPS and SRU (strategic rescue unit) were alerted.
“On arrival on the scene following an extensive search, which included NSRI rescue swimmers conducting free dive search efforts, no sign of the missing man was found,” said Crewe.
His family were on the scene and supported by counsellors.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time,” said Crewe.
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