Busy diving season for recoveries in Secunda area
From January this year to date, 55 recoveries have been made and although winter is nearing, these numbers are still rising by the week.mbers are still rising by the week.
HIGHVELD – It has been one of the busiest recovery seasons for the team of Delta 1 Rescue Diving and Mpumalanga Inland Water Policing.
From January this year to date, 55 recoveries have been made and although the winter is nearing, these numbers are still rising by the week.
During the heavy rain season, the team recovered close to 25 bodies over four weeks.
Mr Andries Lee of Delta1 Rescue Diving said most drowning victims are recovered in old mine quarries or at low water bridges and in rivers.
“Most of our recoveries involved children who drowned in old mine quarries,” said Mr Lee.
He said old mines do not close up these quarries. This is a dangerous and life-threatening matter and leads innocent children to think they can swim in it.
“In most cases, they will be swimming and all of a sudden be submerged underwater.
“The people who are mining, need to take responsibility by closing up these holes. If not, the area needs to be corrugated,” said Mr Lee.
Delta 1 Rescue Diving and Mpumalanga Inland Water Policing cover the whole of Mpumalanga and consists of 10 members.
They assist the Police K9 Search and Rescue units in their searches for missing persons, search, rescue and recovery as well as commercial diving.
Over the past several months new members have joined the team.
These members are currently in training with scenes such as collapsed structures, rescues, vehicle recoveries, fire rescues and swift water rescues.
Delta 1 Rescue Diving is a non-profitable organisation that not only does recoveries of drowning victims, but also assists in searching for missing persons.
“I want to thank my team who works voluntarily, for always being available, especially through this busy season. This is not our work, but our passion.”
Funds are always needed for equipment, fixing vehicles, equipping vessels and fuel.
“Thank you to Zelda Lee and all our sponsors, we would not be able to do what we love in assisting the communities without your continuous support,” ended Mr Lee.
If you want to become a sponsor or contribute, use the following banking details:
Delta 1 Rescue Diving – NPC, ABSA Bank, Cheque account, 4094473495.
For more information contact Mr Lee at 072 335 4442.
