The search for a 16-year-old boy who went missing on Friday afternoon when a boat capsized in Kidd's Beach, East London, ended in heartbreak when his body was recovered the following day.
On Sunday, police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said an inquest had been opened for an investigation.
Nkohli said after police were notified of the incident, a team of divers, East London K9 Search and Rescue, and health services were immediately activated.
“On the first day, the search was unsuccessful and was called off at about 7.30pm.
“On the second day, the body of the 16-year-old victim was recovered at about 11am.”
The family of the victim could not be immediately be reached for comment by the time of publication.
Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said metro officials received a call at about 4.30pm on Friday alerting them to the incident.
The search, Ngwenya said, was called off on Friday evening due to bad light.
He said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still unknown.
“As we approach summer, and with the escalation of sunny days, we are bound to see more people taking to the beach to swim,” Ngwenya said.
“With this comes the danger of drownings and accidents in water.
“We want to warn communities to always swim under lifeguards’ supervision and within the prescribed flags.
“Remember the flags are mounted to ensure that those swimming are within sight and that they swim in the safest areas when it comes to current, winds, waves, and so on.”
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.