Fisherman injured in boating accident
Unfortunately the motor was still running when the boat capsized and the skipper's arm went through the prop.
An unfortunate incident at the Pumula launch site last Saturday morning left Gert Rheeder (78) seriously injured.
He is currently recovering from surgery and is making good progress.
Mike Fraser, chairman of the Injambili Ski Boat Club, said ‘Oom Gert’ as he is fondly known, was skippering his boat in the surf when he lost power in a motor and was capsized by a wave on the backline.
In the process, he became entangled in an outboard motor that was still running, which resulted in bad lacerations to his arm and body.
Fraser said the boat righted itself, and Oom Gert’s life jacket remained entangled in the outboard propeller.
Fortunately, the club’s secretary, Des Kruger, could contact Alan (Moo) Fraser, who rushed to the beach and was able to swim a rope out to the boat.
“Alan managed to detangle Oom Gert from the propeller, swim him to shore and rush him to Hibiscus Private Hospital, where he was treated and subsequently underwent lengthy surgery which saved his arm,” said Fraser.
The three crew members on the boat escaped with scrapes and bruises.
“My heartfelt thanks go out to all our community members who assisted in the rescue and recovered the boat, which fortunately suffered minimal damage. Oom Gert, you will be in all our prayers tonight, and we wish you a speedy recovery,” said Fraser.
Oom Gert’s wife Rina and his daughters extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped him on that day, and to Dr Fred Babumba Lukwago – who did wonderful surgery work on his arm. The family appreciates all the support and well wishes.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
