Father dies after fishing boat overturns in Durban surf

A 41-year-old man died after a fishing boat capsized in the surf near Beachwood, Durban North, on Sunday afternoon, according to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). The incident occurred while the vessel, carrying six people, was returning from a fishing trip. Five individuals, including three children, survived the accident, though one of the survivors was initially thought to be missing before being found safe. Rescue efforts began shortly after 5.32pm when the NSRI received reports of the capsized boat in the surf zone. Rescue swimmers quickly responded to the scene, while additional crews prepared rescue craft for deployment. Three survivors, two teenagers and a child, managed to reach the shore with the aid of their uncle, who had been serving as the boat’s skipper. They walked toward a nearby service station to alert authorities when a passing motorist intervened, stopping to assist them. The motorist transported the group to the service station, where they raised the alarm. The NSRI praised the individual for his quick action. Emergency services confirmed that six people had been aboard the fishing boat when it overturned. A 17-year-old who was initially presumed lost was later found unharmed and reunited with the other survivors. The skipper, believed to be in his late 30s, was also located and brought to the service station, where family members had gathered. However, rescuers discovered a 41-year-old man dead on the beach. He was identified as the father of three of the surviving boys, aged 19, 17, and eight, and the cousin of the skipper. Four survivors, comprising two brothers aged 19 and eight, their uncle, and a 17-year-old friend, were taken to hospital by ambulance. Medical professionals indicated that all four are expected to recover fully. Another 17-year-old survivor was examined by paramedics but did not require hospitalization. According to the NSRI, the boat capsized in waves offshore at Beachwood along the Durban North shoreline. Local fishermen who witnessed the incident rushed to the scene and performed CPR on the deceased before emergency services arrived. The capsized vessel eventually washed ashore and was secured by police and Metro Police with the assistance of the Durban Ski-boat Club. Authorities have initiated an inquest into the incident. The deceased’s body has been placed in the care of police and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health’s Forensic Pathology Services. Investigations into the circumstances leading to the capsizing are ongoing. The NSRI noted that local fishermen played a crucial role in the initial response, providing immediate aid to the victims.