Here’s what you missed online this year

FROM an ‘unwelcome guest’ discovered on a yacht heading to Mozambique, to the mysterious disappearance of a Sodwana Bay skipper and the sinking of a land cruiser at Cape Vidal – we take you back to the top trending stories on our site for 2024.

1. Richards Bay sailors discover ‘unwelcome guest’ on yacht in Mozambique
The Zululand Yacht Club’s annual Inhaca Island cruise race from Mozambique to the host base in Richards Bay is always filled with twists and turns that make for interesting anecdotes. But few crews could equal the experience of skipper Jason Olivier and his crew aboard the catamaran ‘Maya’, one of the fleet boats that joined the 32nd annual pilgrimage to the island off Mozambique.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/04/08/richards-bay-sailors-discover-unwelcome-guest-on-yacht-in-mozambique/

2. Missing Sodwana Bay charter boat found, no trace of skipper
The search for missing Sodwana Bay skipper John ‘Matambu’ Dercksen is ongoing after the burnt out boat was located the day after he went missing without a trace.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/03/17/missing-sodwana-bay-charter-boat-found-no-trace-of-skipper/

3. Land Cruiser sinks at Cape Vidal during boat launch
A trip to Cape Vidal became a nightmare for a tourist who sunk his brand-new Land Cruiser in the sea at the weekend. The car owner had backed onto the beach to launch his jet ski for a fishing trip on when his vehicle submerged on a rising tide.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/05/21/land-cruiser-sinks-at-cape-vidal-during-boat-launch/


4. Richards Bay beach closed to bathers
There shall be no swimming or other activities at Alkantstrand until further notice after the City of uMhlathuze closed the beach.
This is a precautionary measure following the discovery of two great white sharks that were caught on the drumlines in front of the dolphin viewing platform.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/10/04/richards-bay-beach-closed-to-bathers/


5. WATCH: Transnet suffers train derailment near Empangeni
The mass power outage that affected Richards Bay on Saturday night and into Sunday morning appears to have been the cause of a train accident.
This is according to Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) OCC Tactical Volume Planning, who issued a statement on the matter.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/01/15/watch-transnet-suffers-train-derailment-near-empangeni/

6. WATCH: Richards Bay angler faces serious charge
An angler is awaiting a further court appearance after being charged for contravening the Marine Living Resources Act in Richards Bay. Delaray Labuschagne (74) had allegedly exceeded the bag limit of fish after reportedly being found with 65 kob on his boat in Meerensee.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/10/14/richards-bay-angler-faces-serious-charge/


7. Man dies in Empangeni shooting incident
The morning got off to a bloody start as a man was shot dead at his Cactus Drive residence in Empangeni, which is located near two schools. It is reported that the victim had stopped in the middle of his driveway to check on his leaking water meter system.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/04/18/man-dies-in-empangeni-shooting-incident/


8. WATCH: Peculiar Pelican parking bay
Traffic officials were on scene at Pelican Island early this morning (Saturday) after an articulated truck was discovered parked there.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/02/17/peculiar-pelican-parking-bay/


9. Robbers target Richards Bay mall
Brazen criminals targeted Richards Bay’s Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre in the early hours of Monday morning, gaining entry into several retail stores and fleeing with goods. It is believed the security guard on duty was accosted by two armed men shortly before 2am, while at least 15 suspects entered the centre, breaking into three shops by smashing the glass fronts.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/03/12/robbers-target-richards-bay-mall/


10. Huge cocaine haul among the coal at Port of Richards Bay
Cocaine bricks worth an estimated R15-million have been recovered on a vessel at the Port of Richards Bay. Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation boarded the Genco Columbia, which was carrying coal.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/zululand-observer/news-headlines/local-news/2024/04/23/law-enforcement-vows-to-clamp-down-on-drug-trafficking-in-light-of-richards-bay-cocaine-seizure/

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