Durban - 19 July One deceased, five survivors after boat capsizes off Beachwood, Durban North

Sadly, one man has died and five people survived after a boat capsized in the surf zone at Beachwood, Durban North, on Sunday evening, 19 July. NSRI Durban duty crew, alongside Police, Metro Police, Durban North Fire and Rescue Services and eThekwini lifeguards, responded to the scene after the alarm was raised by a Good Samaritan who came across three of the survivors walking for help.

All six crew members on board have since been accounted for. Four survivors were taken to hospital by ambulance and are expected to make full recoveries, while a fifth was assessed on scene by paramedics and found not to be injured.

The deceased, age 41, was the father of three of the survivors and a cousin of the boat's skipper. It is believed the vessel had launched from Durban Ski-boat Club earlier that day for a fishing trip with six local crew on board. She is believed to have capsized in rough offshore waters near Beachwood while returning from the trip.

A group of local fishermen who witnessed the capsize assisted at the scene, including attempting bystander CPR on the deceased. The boat's skipper, cousin of the deceased, helped the three teenagers and a child reach shore safely.

The capsized vessel has washed ashore and is in the care of the police and Metro Police, with assistance from the Durban Ski-boat Club. Police have opened an inquest docket.

Our condolences go to the family and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts and care are with the survivors and their families at this difficult time.