Jozini Dam boat fire ‘started in engine room’
The managing director of the houseboat that went up in flames on the Jozini Dam on Saturday says all they know at this stage is that the fire started in one of the engine rooms.
Four crew and five passengers were on board the Shayamanzi One Luxury boat at the time.
They all jumped into the water to escape the blaze.
Police have confirmed a crew member and a German tourist drowned.
The search continues for a second crew member who is presumed drowned.
Roger Blevin says the boat had been out all day.
He says the problem started when they were hit by strong wind as they arrived at the gorge that afternoon.
"The skipper gave it a bit more throttle. Apparently, a fire broke out in one of the engine rooms and the skipper went through his drills to try to rescue everybody. Things didn't turn out well. There was a lot of waves, pandemonium, things happened very fast and we had some casualties, unfortunately. Most of the people survived."
Blevin says they have been to see the families of the victims.
He says his two surviving crew members are traumatised and are receiving support.
"The main skipper, it's been very difficult for him, responsibilities that they have got on the boats and things happen fast and he is upset for the outcome. We would have loved an outcome with no casualties. So he is very traumatised."
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