KNYSNA – The body of a 73-year-old man, believed to be the fisherman reported missing earlier this week, has been recovered from the water at Swartvlei near Knysna.
According to the provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg, the body was found yesterday (4 April), and an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.
Days of searching
The discovery follows a large-scale search operation launched on Wednesday after the man was reportedly swept off rocks while shoreline angling near Herolds Bay.
Emergency services, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), police, EMS and fire services, conducted extensive air, sea and shoreline searches over several days.
NSRI teams deployed rescue craft, drones and flares, while police divers from the Water Policing and Diving Services unit assisted in ongoing search efforts.
“Despite coordinated efforts across air, sea and land, there have been no signs of the missing fisherman. During the search, his fishing gear was located and recovered from the water. White illuminating flares were used to enhance visibility as crews continued searching into the night,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon on Friday.
Investigation under way
Police have not yet formally confirmed the identity of the deceased, pending a formal notification of next of kin. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
At the time of publication, NovaNews was still attempting to obtain comment from the family.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact Crime Stop or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.
READ ALSO: Search continues for fisherman swept off rocks near Herolds Bay
