On Sunday, 6 July, along the coastline of Mfazazana, near to Hibberdene, KZN South Coast, during ongoing search and recovery operations, Police K9 Search and Rescue and WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) located and recovered the body of a man, believed to be that of a 37 year old local man who went missing in the sea on Friday afternoon, 4 July, in an apparent shark incident.
The body recovered by Police divers appears to show signs of obvious shark wounds that are being investigated.
The body of the deceased man has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
Formal identification of the man, in cooperation with Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services, are in progress.
Police have opened an Inquest docket.
Condolences, thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the deceased man.
See original media statement below ...
NSRI – KZN South Coast – Sunday, 6 July. Ongoing search for a missing man:
Police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts for a missing man.
KZN SOUTH COAST: A 37 year old man is missing following a reported shark incident at Mfazazana, near Hibberdene, KZN South Coast.
On Friday afternoon, 04 July, the SA Police Services, Police K9 Search and Rescue and WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) were alerted to a man missing at Mfazazana following a reported shark incident.
It was reported that 3 local fishermen were in the water near to a school of sardines. One man disappeared under water after a shark appeared to surface where the man was fishing.
It appears that one friend attempted to intervene, but it is believed that he was confronted by at least 2 sharks, and he retreated to the shoreline.
It is believed that the sharks were feeding on the school of sardines at the time.
Police K9 Search and Rescue and WPDS attended at the scene on Friday, but no sign of the missing man was located.
On Saturday Police K9 Search and Rescue and WPDS, assisted by NSRI Shelly Beach, continued in search operations.
Police have opened an investigation and are continuing in an ongoing search.
Police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts.
Thoughts, care and compassion, are with the family and friends of the missing man.
NSRI – Gordons Bay – Sunday, 6 July. A local fisherman is missing:
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