Boat tragedy loss of life hits hard

The sea is an unpredictable entity, and those who enter the oceans in ships and boats do so at great risk.

Some sail the seas for pleasure, as do yachtsmen; others engage in maritime trade, shifting millions of tons of export and import cargo.

Then there are those – their activities usually taking place unseen to the general public - whose daily work is to provide some sort of service at beaches and harbours.

So it is with the brave men of the KZN Sharks Board, whose job it is to inspect, maintain and clear the shark nets that are deployed off Alkantstrand and Newark Beach.

It’s heavy work, the waterlogged nets and their lifting gear requiring plenty of muscle on the part of the boat crew who are out there at first light every day to meet their commitment.

That includes days when the sea is rough and the weather is atrocious.

Wednesday was such a day, as the swell picked up and possibly contributed to the disaster that followed.

Obviously there will be intense investigations by a number of authorities, including the NSB itself, the SAPS and the SA Maritime Safety Authority, both to establish the cause and to prevent future such calamities.

What we do know, is that Richard Gumede was a highly experienced, cautious and conscientious skipper who has for 18 years exhibited nothing but utter professionalism in leading his crew.

This was sheer, utter tragedy as the scene unfolded just a few hundred metres from the beach in front of a handful of helpless spectators.

The loss of three good men hits hard – and the toll could have been a higher number but for the heroics of veteran lifesaver Shakes Hiraman, who rescued two crewmen.

Words alone cannot comfort the grieving families, who surely appreciated the prompt visit of condolence from senior government and NSB heads.

The wider community joins NSB colleagues and the deceased members’ many friends in extending sympathies and blessings for the future to those at the centre of this circle of sorrow.