Holiday tragedy in Stilbaai as man dies after vehicle plunges into Goukou River

A 21-year-old man from De Doorns has died after the vehicle he was travelling in was found submerged in the Goukou River near the river mouth in Stilbaai early on Tuesday morning.

The NSRI Stilbaai duty crew was activated at approximately 06:27 on Tuesday, 15 September, following reports of a vehicle in the river.

NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene, while the NSRI rescue vehicle, South African Police Service, Western Cape Government Health EMS and Hessequa Fire and Rescue Service also attended.

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Man trapped inside vehicle

On arrival, emergency services discovered a vehicle submerged in the Goukou River with one person trapped inside.

Police divers from the Water Policing and Diving Service (WPDS) were alerted to assist with the recovery operation.

With concerns that the vehicle could be swept further down the river by the outgoing tide, NSRI rescue swimmers assisted police in recovering the body of the man from the vehicle.

The 21-year-old, who was visiting Stilbaai on holiday with his family, was sadly declared deceased at the scene by paramedics.

His body was handed over to police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Service.

Sister injured

The man’s sister was also reportedly injured in the accident and is receiving treatment in hospital.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear.

According to the NSRI, the accident may have occurred earlier in the morning.

Police have opened an inquest docket and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are continuing.

NSRI Stilbaai conveyed its condolences to the man’s family following the tragic incident.