Jake Manten, NSRI Vaal Dam station commander, said:
At 10h35, Saturday, 15th June, NSRI Vaal Dam duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Rate Payers Bay, Vaal Dam.
Our NSRI rescue runner was launched and NSRI rescue swimmers responded in our rescue vehicle. Free State Government Health EMS, Sasolburg Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services and Police Dive Unit and a Police K-9 Search and Rescue squad responded.
On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a 35 year old local man from Deneysville who had disappeared under water after the canoe he was on had sunk.
It is suspected that the cold water temperature of approximately 11 degrees may have contributed to him getting into difficulty while attempting to swim to shore.
During a Police dive search operation his body was located and recovered and declared deceased by paramedics.
Condolences are conveyed to his family and friends.
Police have opened an inquest docket and his body has been taken into the care of the Department of Health Forensic Pathology Services.
TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE
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