The body of 23-year-old Athanathi Vunati, who went missing on Sunday, has been retrieved, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed on Tuesday.
NSRI Kei Mouth station commander Monica Maroun said the body was recovered on Monday afternoon during a search effort involving the police, police K9 search and rescue and NSRI rescue swimmers.
“The body was taken into the care of the police and government health forensic pathology services,” Maroun said.
“Condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
“Though formal identification is pending, it’s believed the body is that of the local 23-year-old man who went missing in the water at Kei River Mouth on Sunday while swimming with friends.”
The NSRI Kei Mouth was activated on Sunday after reports of a drowning in progress.
An off-duty lifeguard, on holiday in the area, entered the water to search for the missing man.
“NSRI Kei Mouth rescue swimmers, [Kei Watch Action Group] and the police responded. NSRI East London was placed on alert,” Maroun said.
The lifeguard and NSRI rescue swimmers conducted free-dive searches, while NSRI Kei Mouth and Kei Watch Action Group members scoured the shoreline.
Police K9 search and rescue, assisted by the NSRI, continued the search until the body was found.
On Tuesday, Vunati’s family lamented the absence of lifeguards and warning signs in the area at the time of the drowning.
The young man’s uncle, Luyanda Cannie Vunati, said they had been told that lifeguards would be deployed from December 15.
“This is too late as families will be prioritising gatherings over beach trips around December 15.”
Vunati, lived in Mzwini village, Mooiplaas, outside East London, and friends had organised a trip to the Kei River Mouth to escape Sunday’s heat.
“We are heartbroken,” Luyanda said.
“His friends sought help from nearby residents, indicating lifeguards could have saved him.”
The family indicated that it would need assistance with funeral arrangements.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that police had opened an inquest docket.
Mawisa said Vunati was last seen by his friends struggling in the water and they went to alert other friends.
“He then disappeared in the river.
“Lifesavers came and a search ensued, but all in vain.
“The SAPS K9 search and rescue team also came, but due to high tides, they did not manage to do searching [on Sunday].
“He was found floating on the river by a community member who then reported to the police at 3.45pm [on Monday].”
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