The search for four persons believed to have drowned continued on Friday morning in the Vaal River at Douglas after several occupants on a makeshift boat fell into the river. On Thursday, two bodies were recovered following the incident that took place early morning.

“At approximately 06:30, police in Douglas received a report regarding a makeshift boat that was allegedly ferrying people across the Vaal River from Vaallus Farm to Olierivier Farm. It was reported that several occupants fell into the water,” said Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane, media spokesperson.

Survivors and victims

Preliminary reports indicate that there were reportedly 20 people on board the vessel. A total of 14 occupants survived, while search operations conducted by the Search and Rescue Unit of the South African Police Service continued on Friday for the four persons who remain unaccounted for.

Shemane said survivors were treated and later discharged from a hospital in Douglas on Thursday.

The bodies of the two occupants that were recovered are those of a 59-year-old and a 25-year-old male.

An inquest docket following the discovery of the two bodies has been registered, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.

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