Man feared drowned off Witsand
2013-02-10 18:52
Johannesburg - A 73-year-old man was swept out to sea on a small boat at the Duiwenhoks River mouth near Witsand in the Western Cape, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said on Sunday.
It appeared the man was fishing when his boat drifted towards the river mouth during the outgoing tide on Saturday, said NSRI Witsand deputy station commander Rob Wilson.
"We believe the motor might have failed or was not strong enough to cope against the tide, causing the boat to be swept out of the river mouth before capsizing in the surf," said Wilson.
On Sunday, the boat was found washed ashore on the beachfront, approximately 300m along the coast from the river mouth.
However, no sign of the missing man was found, despite an extensive search. He is now feared drowned.
Police divers are continuing with the search on Sunday. An inquest docket has been opened.
- SAPA