Durban - Where is our mom?
This was the question being asked by the family of Brenda Scriven, as the search for the missing Durban woman continued.
Scriven, 62, of Sunningdale, went missing on Monday evening. CCTV footage showed her being swept away by raging flood waters. Her car, which is with a tow truck company, was found at the side of Glen Anil Street.
Despite an extensive search effort by rescue teams using sniffer dogs, heavy machinery to move debris, helicopters, drones and more than 100 volunteers combing the banks of the uMngeni River, she has not been found.
Co-ordinating the search were private security companies, Marshall and IPSS.
Their spokesman, Kyle van Reenen, confirmed the search would continue today between the river and its banks, from Glen Anil to Chris Hani (North Coast) Road and Sea Cow Lake.
“The generous donations of much-needed supplies, the support of the community is nothing short of outstanding,” he said.
Lindi Swales, Scriven’s daughter, said that on Monday the family tried calling Scriven’s phone, but she did not answer.
Later that evening, they called again and a man answered. He told them that he found the car on the side of the road.
Scriven was looking forward to retiring from work at Natal Portland Cement where she was a payroll worker, said Swales.
Her last message on Facebook was on Monday. She wrote: “And so begins the final stretch. Monday morning blues are cancelled from my life from next week. Nerves setting in.”
Scriven had been looking forward to retiring and spending time with her grandchildren, whom she wrote about on her Facebook page.
She has three daughters and seven grandchildren. One of her daughters was moving back to Durban and Scriven had been making arrangements.
Some of the family had viewed the CCTV footage, but Swales could not bear to.
“I am living in hope that she is alive. We are still in shock and emotionally numbed from the ordeal. We are overwhelmed by the support from family, friends and volunteers.” said Swales.
At the uMngeni River on Thursday, South African Community Action Network volunteer, Andreas Mathios, said it was difficult to see anything from a helicopter because the water was murky and the river banks were littered with debris.
Marine Lifesaving Club volunteers brought in 10 kayaks. Among the paddlers was Mark Lewin, a volunteer, and Gary Bowler, a tug master.
Daily News