Durban – An extensive search operation for a 54-year-old man believed to have drowned at Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal has ended without success, with authorities still unable to locate him.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa, search and rescue teams spent several hours on Saturday combing the dam for Tony Govender, who went missing on Friday while celebrating his 54th birthday with friends.
The operation involved members of Reaction Unit South Africa, the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Unit, and Metro Police Search and Rescue teams.
Preliminary information indicates that Govender entered the water in an attempt to retrieve a jet ski that had drifted away in strong winds.
“He reportedly entered the water, disappeared beneath the surface and did not resurface,” RUSA said in a statement.
Search teams deployed a helicopter and waterborne resources in an effort to locate the missing man. Despite the extensive operation, no trace of Govender was found.
“The search involved the RUSA Helicopter and waterborne resources, however no trace of the man was located,” the organisation said.
The operation was suspended after several hours on Saturday, with Govender remaining missing.
Authorities have not indicated when search efforts may resume. The incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a birthday celebration, with family and friends still awaiting news of the missing man.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
