Drownings at Plet

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oomfaan

Senior Member
I heard this morning on the news about a fishing boat that overturned at Plet and that 6 people are feared drowned.The body of a mother and her 8 year old son has been found by this morning. I have not heard anything more. Is there anybody that knows more about this sad story? This is a very sad happening.


Condolences to the family.
 
O

oomfaan

Senior Member
I have just got my skippers license and this was a big eye opener for me. I was wondering if they were wearing their life-jackets and if a life jacket would or could have saved a life in a similar situation?
 
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subaruseun

Sealiner
very sad to hear these things happening...


condolences to the family in this time... may the almighty be with you.



well done on the skippers captain... where are we going?

im going to HAVE to move on to a duck with a small outboard for safety sake, cant run gauntlets anymore... the twins would not be happy.
 
P

Psy

Sealiner
This is very sad to hear as the boat and occupants were registered as fishing or boating on the Keurbooms river!

How they managed to lose the vessel and fall overboard is quite baffling.

My reckoning is they ventured into the mouth area and were swamped by a wave, overturning the boat.

Condolences to all families of the occupants.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/2-bodies-found-after-Plett-boat-disappears-20120810
 
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oomfaan

Senior Member
I heard that they were in the river when the engine failed and that the current took them into the mouth area where the waves overturned the boat.
 
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J G Walrus

New member
A lesson to all of us in such a situation - abandon the boat

With the new lagoon shape after recent flooding, the currents would be vicious once you get close to the mouth.
 
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Psy

Sealiner
J G Walrus wrote:
A lesson to all of us in such a situation - abandon the boat

With the new lagoon shape after recent flooding, the currents would be vicious once you get close to the mouth.
Click to expand...

I tend to disagree with you. My opinion is never abandon your boat, as its possibly your best means of staying afloat.
Close the boat, secure everything and tighten your lifejacket.
Stay with your boat, its more visible and you are safest onboard it, even if it has overturned.
 
J

J G Walrus

New member
Psy wrote:
J G Walrus wrote:
A lesson to all of us in such a situation - abandon the boat

With the new lagoon shape after recent flooding, the currents would be vicious once you get close to the mouth.
Click to expand...

I tend to disagree with you. My opinion is never abandon your boat, as its possibly your best means of staying afloat.
Close the boat, secure everything and tighten your lifejacket.
Stay with your boat, its more visible and you are safest onboard it, even if it has overturned.
Click to expand...
You are correct in most cases, but knowing the scene of the crime based on the info so far


256409_188439064619755_1093181031_o.jpg

One would think one of the passengers could attempt to swim a rope to the side before being dragged out to sea?
 
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Psy

Sealiner
With the past heavy rains all the estuaries are in flood. Tidal bore is fast and often underestimated.

To beat into the current and maintain position will be vital to have a properly serviced outboard engine, as well as your safety gear which includes a suitable anchor, with sufficient chain and cordage to maintain or keep your boat anchored securely.
This is a basic requirement for any boat handler let alone the SAMSA requirements!

I have doubt if the 4 plus 2 had sufficient knowledge of the area(overloading the boat)and the prevailing water/storm conditions.
These type of fatalities occur far too often due to lax control on the water and ill informed boaters.

Its a sad day for many.
Condolences to all the families.
 
G

Glider

Senior Member
Very sad indeed, I don't think they would be able to hold onto the boat if it was pounded by the waves, especially not an eight year old.
 
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