The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has released an official statement following the drowning incident at the Silvermine Dam, which took place on Saturday, November 20.
According to NSRI Kommetjie station commander, Johnathan Bakker, following the distress call, the City of Cape Town water rescue network was activated along with other emergency services.
“On arrival on the scene, it was confirmed that a 24-year-old male, from Retreat, had disappeared underwater while swimming with his girlfriend and 2 friends.
” They had tried to reach him before he disappeared underwater,” Bakker said.
Bakker said NSRI Kommetjie also dispatched their sea rescue vehicle towing the sea rescue craft IL Batello and NSRI Strandfontein dispatched a sea rescue vehicle towing the sea rescue craft Sharon.
“The 2 NSRI craft were launched onto the water and a surface water search commenced. Four NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the water and they conducted free dive search efforts,” Bakker explained.
Also read: Silvermine Dam is closed until further notice following drowning incident
Bakker went on to say that the police’s diving unit, Fire and Rescue Services rescue divers, supported by the NSRI rescue craft, conducted scuba dive search efforts.
“During scuba dive search efforts the body of the man was located and recovered from underwater. The body of the deceased man has been taken into the care of the WC Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket,” Bakker indicated.
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Cape Town police to investigate drowning incident at Silvermine Dam
Picture: Twitter/@Olwethu_Deliwe