Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa – A terrible accident occurred on Sunday, 18th June, during a canoeing trip on the Crocodile River. The incident involved a group of 20 tourists from Singapore and six local river guides.
According to the press release by South African’s National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), at around at around 2.42pm, NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam, along with the Strategic Rescue Unit (SRU) and the South African Police Services, responded to distress calls reporting the accident.
The incident took place on the Crocodile River, located between the Lion Park and Hartbeespoort Dam.
According to reports, four canoes carrying eight tourists capsized, leading to a dangerous situation. The river guides, who were also part of the expedition, quickly came to the aid of the tourists and started performing CPR on a male and a female tourist who were in critical condition.
TWO SINGAPOREANS DEAD
Rescue swimmers and medics from NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam, SRU rescue medics, local police, and a paramedic from the Lion Park arrived promptly to help.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of the medical teams, both the male and female tourists passed away.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, six other tourists and two river guides found themselves in distress and needed help. Thanks to the joint efforts of the river guides, tourists, and emergency services, all eight individuals were successfully rescued from the water.
The two river guides were unconscious, but paramedics stabilized them and took them to the hospital for further treatment. They are currently recovering.
The remaining six tourists, who were lucky enough to avoid serious injuries, received immediate medical attention at the scene and were later released. The bodies of the deceased tourists are now in the care of the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. The local police have started an investigation to understand what led to the accident.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by TODAY, they are providing consular assistance to the affected families through the Singapore High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. The Ministry extends their condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the deceased. May they find comfort and strength in the support offered to them from all around the world.
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