While many a beachgoer saw this as a weekend for enjoying the warm weather, for one Grabouw family it was one of hope with a rather tragic end. One family hoped against all hope their 14-year-old, who had gone missing at Hawston Beach, would be found alive. But alas, it was not to be…
According to Edrich Kotze, station commander of the NSRI Hermanus, Siyanda Plaatjies is now presumed drowned, having considered the circumstances and exhausted all the variables and responses within the institute’s capacity, even though a body had yet to be found.
He said: “At 12:19 on 9 November NSRI Hermanus duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Hawston Beach.”
Kotze said rescue swimmers, from NSRI Hermanus and from NSRI Kleinmond, responded directly to the scene, while NSRI rescue craft were launched at NSRI Hermanus station 17 rescue base and at NSRI Kleinmond station 42.
NSRI Hermanus and NSRI Kleinmond rescue vehicles, the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS ambulance and EMS rescue squad, ER24 ambulance services, Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services, Overstand Law Enforcement, Overstrand Safety and Security and CMC ambulance services (Critical Medical Care), responded. A Metro rescue drone was also activated.
“Two NSRI rescue craft searched in and beyond the surf zone,” Kotze said. “NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the water conducting free-dive sweeping line-search efforts, while a Metro Rescue drone conducted aerial search efforts.
“Despite extensive aerial, sea and shoreline search efforts there remained no sign of the missing teenager, who was last seen in the water offshore of rocks at Op die Punt, Hawston Beach.”
At his behest police opened an investigation and police divers were tasked in ongoing search efforts.
According to Siyanda’s foster mother, Nichaela Maarman, he went to Hawston Beach with friends on Sunday. “We are not doing well. Siyanda had been in our house since 2021 and he was the sweetest child. I wouldn’t say he was an angel, but he was loving and always took everyone’s feelings into account.”
She said his foster family would find closure only when a body, presumably his, is found. “I mean, for funeral arrangements to be made there has to be a body, you know.” she said.
Grabouw community leader Isabel Bailey said Siyanda was a tease and quite a card. “He always made jokes; I will miss him a lot.”
His school, Groenberg Secondary in Grabouw, where he was in Grade 9, announced the presumed death of one of its beloved learners on Facebook on Monday. “Siyanda was a beloved member of our school community and was very popular among his circle of friends and peers,” principal Ralston Parnell said. “His passing leaves a huge void in our hearts and in the Groenberg family. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Siyanda’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragedy. The school, in collaboration with the Overberg District Office, is offering counselling and emotional support to learners and staff.”
Bailey puts the body’s return in God’s hands. “We request prayers and support, particularly for prospective funeral arrangements. Please contact me on 078 827 9161.”
Statistics paint a stark picture of drownings, which claim more than 236 000 lives globally each year, and is one of the top 10 causes of death among children aged 5 to 14. “This is not just a statistic, but a call to action,” Mike Vonk, NSRI CEO, declared. With more than 3 000 km of coastline, countless rivers, lakes and dams South Africa faces unique safety challenges.
With the holiday season and warmer weather approaching the NSRI has issued the following tips:
- Never go swimming alone;
- Learn to swim – equip yourself and your children with basic water survival skills. Supervise children – drowning is silent. Always keep a close watch on children.
- Avoid alcohol near water – stay alert and in control.
- Use proper safety gear – lifejackets save lives.
