MEDIA RELEASE (KNYSNA): Drowning Incident At Knysna Estuary

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MEDIA RELEASE (KNYSNA): Drowning Incident At Knysna Estuary

Ref: 9/2/2-23-GRNP

31 August 2023

MEDIA RELEASE (KNYSNA) 1 of 1

Drowning Incident At Knysna Estuary

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirms a drowning incident at Knysna Estuary within the Garden Route National Park on Wednesday, 30 August 2023. SANParks Rangers received a call around 15:20 informing them about a drowning incident at the Ashmead Channel next to Kathy Park.

On arrival at the scene, they were informed that a young man believed to be in his early twenties was fishing and his canoe capsized. His friend, a second adult male who was trying to assist the young man also faced difficulty to stay afloat and was rescued by the Rangers. Currently the search is continuing for the young man with the help of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Unit and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

Members of the public are informed that the area has been cordoned off and will not be accessible until further notice.

The search was called off due to poor visibility last night, Wednesday, 30 August 2023 and will continue today around 10:00 am, during low tide.

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Issued by: Garden Route National Park Communications: Tel: 012 426 5023
For Media Enquiries:
Media Enquiries:
Phokela Lebea, Regional Communications Manager - Garden Route. Tel: (012) 426 5023; Cell: 071 2121 330; E-mail: [email protected]

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Update : Recovery of Young Mans Body - Knysna Estuary Drowning

Update : Recovery of Young Mans Body - Knysna Estuary Drowning
01 September 2023

Following a drowning incident that occurred on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, at the Knysna Estuary within the Garden Route National Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) reports the recovery of the body of a young man believed to be in his twenties near Kathy Park this afternoon.

SANParks Rangers received an emergency call at approximately 15:20 on August 30th, alerting them to a dire situation unfolding at the Ashmead Channel next to Kathy Park. According to initial reports, a young man in his early twenties was fishing when his canoe capsized. Amidst the turmoil, a second adult male, identified as a friend, bravely attempted to aid the distressed young man. However, he too found himself in danger and was fortunate to be rescued by the SANParks Rangers.

Despite a fearless collaborative effort by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Unit and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the search for the missing young man was hindered by challenging conditions, including poor visibility at night. Consequently, the search was temporarily suspended during the evening of August 30th, only to resume today at approximately 10:00 am during low tide.

The lifeless body of a young man in his early twenties was discovered this afternoon at approximately 13:05. Ms. Pat Bopape, Park Manager for Knysna Section of Garden Route National Park would like to thank members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving Unit, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and SANParks Rangers for their efforts in recovering the body. "We would also like to send our sincere condolences to the grieving family for their loss and wish the young man who tried to rescue the deceased a speedy recovery in hospital".

In light of these events, members of the public are urged to respect the ongoing investigations as the affected area is still cordoned off and inaccessible to the public until further notice.

Issued by:
Garden Route National Park Communications

Media enquiries:
Phokela Lebea
Regional Communications Manager
Tel: 012 426 5023
Cell: 071 2121 330
Email: [email protected]