Avid canoeist dies in dangerous Breede River undercurrent ‘strainer’

Search and rescue teams found the body of an avid canoeist in the Breede River. Picture: Facebook

Search and rescue teams found the body of an avid canoeist in the Breede River. Picture: Facebook

Published Aug 23, 2022

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Cape Town - The body of an avid canoeist has been found by search and rescue teams in Swellendam, after his canoe got trapped in a strong undercurrent beneath a tree.

The SAPS said that on Sunday an eyewitness had pointed out the spot along the Breede River where the K2 tandem canoe was sucked in under a tree.

During the removal of a tree trunk, rescuers spotted the canoe and the victim.

His body was recovered and taken to the mortuary. An inquest docket has been opened by SAPS.

"Western Cape SAPS Water Policing and Diving Service Search and Rescue, a K9 search and rescue dog, Overberg Metro Search and Rescue and Swellendam Fire brigade Search and Rescue conducted a combined search operation in Swellendam after a well-known rower went missing in the Breede River on Sunday, August 21.

"The members had to combine a diving operation with swift-water operators from the three departments and combined equipment in the search in the Breede River.

"The eyewitness indicated the place where the K2 tandem canoe was sucked in under a big tree that caused strainer (build-up of trees, rocks and debris that has strong undercurrents and is extremely dangerous).

"During the removal of a thick tree trunk they spotted the canoe and a life jacket which covered the body of the victim. The body was recovered and taken to the mortuary.

"An inquest case was opened for investigation by Swellendam SAPS," police said.

Cape Times