2 survivors, 1 missing after canoe capsize on Breede River

Attie Gunter, NSRI Witsand station commander, said: 'At 16h48 on Saturday the 8th of June the Witsand crew were activated following reports of a canoe capsized on the Breede River, near to Riverine, approximately 26 kilometers upstream from the Breede River Mouth. Reportedly 2 teenagers survived and one is missing. All are believed to be 18 years old, and from the area.'Our NSRI Witsand volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched QUEENIE PAYNE and responded.'On arrival on-scene we found the two surviving teenagers were not injured and a search commenced for the missing teenager.'Despite an extensive search no sign of the missing teenager has been found and a Police Dive Unit have been activated to continue with the search.'According to the two surviving teenagers they had all been on the canoe on the river when it capsized. While the incident happened close to the shore there were reeds in the water along the bank which may have hampered their efforts to get to the shore. The river is flowing fast and is swollen from rainfall. While they were attempting to get to the shore their friend had disappeared under water. It appears that the incident happened at approximately 14h00 but had taken some time before they could get to a place to raise the alarm.'Police will open an inquest docket.' Queenie Payne.