By Motshwari Mofokeng
A 41-year-old father has died after a fishing boat carrying six people capsized in the surf off Beachwood, Durban North, on Sunday afternoon, while five others, including three children, survived the incident.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its Durban duty crew was activated at 5.32pm following reports of the vessel overturning as it returned from a fishing trip. Rescue swimmers rushed to the scene while additional rescue craft were prepared for launch.
Three survivors, including two teenagers and a child, reached the shore with the assistance of their uncle, who was skippering the boat. A passing motorist transported them to a nearby service station, where emergency services were alerted.
A 17-year-old initially reported missing was later found safe and reunited with the group. The skipper was also located unharmed.
Rescuers later recovered the body of the 41-year-old victim on the beach. Local fishermen attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before emergency personnel arrived, but he was declared dead.
Four survivors were taken to hospital and are expected to recover. Police have opened an inquest and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
