Cape Town – Two Singaporean tourists reportedly died after their canoes capsized on the Crocodile River in Hartbeespoort, north of Johannesburg on Sunday.
The incident occurred during a river canoe expedition involving a group of 20 Singapore tourists and six local river guides, reports said.
The SRU Strategic Response Rescue Unit received an emergency call about the drowning incident near the Lion & Safari Park and swiftly responded to the scene, Kormorant reported.
“We rushed to the scene. It seems one of the kayaks ran into trouble, got caught in the weir and capsized. Another three boats experienced trouble, collided and also capsized,” the report quoted Arthur Crewe of SRU Strategic Response Rescue Unit as saying.
Prior to the rescue unit’s arrival, tour guides jumped into the river to aid the stranded tourists. Six individuals were successfully rescued, but despite CPR efforts, two of the tourists did not survive, the report said.
Two tour guides who attempted the rescue also faced a near-drowning situation but were ultimately saved.
The rescued individuals received medical treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were handed over to mortuary services, IOL reported.
The police have opened an inquest docket, and condolences have been expressed to the families and friends of the deceased.
“Twelve tourists were not injured and all casualties were accounted for. Condolences are conveyed to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts are with all involved in this difficult time,” National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon said, according to the report.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
