Body of fisherman who drowned in crocodile-infested river recovered

Following an extensive two-day search, the body of a fisherman who drowned in the Tugela River has been recovered. 

The fisherman who was fishing along the riverbank reportedly drowned on Tuesday afternoon, 2 May when he got into difficulty whilst taking a swim to cool off. The incident occurred at approximately 15:30 but was only officially reported around 21:00.

BODY OF DROWNED FISHERMAN RECOVERED 

According to emergency service, IPSS Search and Rescue, a witness tried but was unable to save the fisherman. 

Search and recovery efforts continued on Thursday morning as well and the man’s body was finally spotted by the local community down river from where he disappeared under the water.

“After a long hike, IPSS Search and Rescue members, alongside SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, KDM Lifeguards, SAPS Search and Rescue Richards Bay as well as local SAPS members managed to gain access to the body of the 27-year-old fisherman.”

IPSS Search and Rescue

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The emergency service also thanked Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) security members and SAPS members who provided protection from the numerous large crocodiles spotted in the vicinity. Fortunately, members were able to recover the body without coming into contact with any crocodiles.

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