Skipper in Richards Bay accident was seasoned, experienced: MEC
Environmental Affairs MEC, Sihle Zikalala says the incident in Richards Bay in which two Sharks Board employees drowned was a freak accident.
This morning, five crew members were out on a boat apparently taking shark nets out when their boat flipped.
One employee is missing while two injured crew are being treated in hospital.
Zikalala was at Newark Beach earlier and was briefed on exactly what unfolded.
Environmental Affairs MEC, Sihle Zikalala says this is a first incident of its kind ever since the #sharksboard was established 64 years ago @ECR_Newswatch #RichardsBaySharksBoard pic.twitter.com/S9wajHUpY1
— Sandile Jeff Zikhali (@Bangibiza_uJeff) August 8, 2018
He says this is the first incident of its kind since the Sharks Board was established 64 years.
Skipper, Richard Gumede is one of the two who drowned. Zikalala says he had years of experience.
"We are talking about a skipper who was very experienced, and worked here for more than 18 years. You would seen, at his home, the awards he has won over the years. This is a blow to us as the department and to the Sharks Board," he said.
#RichardsBaySharksBoard Hiraman says he saw the boat flipped and immediately changed and got into the water thinking he would just assist them. He said he didn’t expect anyone to die. @ECR_Newswatch pic.twitter.com/MjEEUVBU2c
— Nushera Raisa (@nushera) August 8, 2018