DEAR Editor,-
On August 7 this year it was a normal day for all the charters at the Sonny Evans Small Craft Harbour. Jan Olivier, an experienced skipper of over 30 years, was getting ready for another day at the office. There was the usual hustle and bustle as he waited his turn to launch his charter boat ‘Big Mama’.
Watching from shore was his partner Karin and the apple of his eye nine-year-old Kate Lee. Nature, however, had other plans and Jan’s boat capsized in the surf. Nobody could have guessed that this family’s life would change in the blink of an eye.
All six clients and two crew members made it back to shore with the help of bystanders and regulars at the base.
Jan however, broke his ribs and suffered from concussion. The boat was totally destroyed and cannot be repaired. Due to financial difficulties, Jan had to cancel his insurance approximately four months before the accident and this means that he will not be compensated financially.
At present, Jan is not yet fully recovered from his injuries, they have no other boat and the family is now without any income.
Only people who make a living from the sea will understand what an unpredictable life this can be at times. Certain things like weather and sea conditions are out of human control and no one ever knows what the day will hold. It is a life filled with adventures, and although none of us would change it for another life, when disaster hits, it is often unexpected and devastating.
The community is trying to help the family through this very traumatic and difficult time by organising fund-raising events. A golf day has been scheduled at the Port Shepstone Golf Club on October 12 and any help would really be appreciated.
For further information or to offer any financial or other assistance, please contact Stefnie Fabricius at 072 2897229, Angelique Magor at 083 9648731, Danelsia Olwagen at 083 2280977 or Beulah at 082 4567885.
BEULAH MAUZ
