The search for a seven-year-old boy who went missing while swimming in the uMgeni River in Ntuzuma has ended in tragedy, after his body was recovered on Sunday.
The child had disappeared in the water on Saturday while swimming with friends near a rock. It is believed he failed to resurface during the outing. He was visiting relatives in the area for the school holidays at the time of the incident.
Reaction Unit South Africa’s Prem Balram said rescue teams faced difficult terrain at the scene.
“The area was inaccessible to vehicles, which led to the RUSA helicopter being placed on standby. Before the helicopter could lift off, the body was recovered,” Balram said.
He explained that search and rescue units were forced to park some distance away and proceed on foot. Community members then pointed out the area where the child was last seen.
“Divers entered the water and eventually recovered the body,” Balram added.
Authorities have extended their condolences to the family as investigations into the circumstances of the drowning continue.