Sharks Board tragedy leaves lessons to be learnt

The death of KZN Sharks Board crew members is a wake-up call to those responsible for ensuring the health and safety of employees. It’s not a blame game, but perhaps on reflection the accident could have been avoided, writes ZO Editor DAVE SAVIDES

IT is with some measure of relief for members of the family involved that the body of the remaining Sharks Board member was recovered on Saturday following the tragic mass drownings on 8 August.

There can now be some closure for the grieving relatives who had kept a constant vigil at the scene of the calamity.

While the overwhelming feelings of the community at large are ones of sympathy and sadness, below those emotions are also concerns as to how such a catastrophe could have befallen such experienced crew members.

The matter is under serious investigation, but even at face value those who are involved in diving and related activities have been swift to question, in particular, whether the crew was dressed appropriately.

The job of lifting shark nets is a tough one, requiring protection from the elements as well as the ability to engage in physically demanding labour.

Traditionally, the crews are dressed in layers of clothing on top of which is worn an oilskin raincoat (sou’wester).

While this will certainly provide protection and insulation, it also means plenty of excess weight; and that in turn means rendering the life jackets worn over the clothing virtually unable to keep the crewmen afloat.

It’s a Catch-22 situation, but many expert divers and water sports enthusiasts believe a suitable wetsuit and modern flotation device would provide the protection, warmth and buoyancy necessary without compromising the wearer.

It may well be that ‘doing things the way they have always been done’ could have contributed to the tragedy.

Another contributing factor could be the issue of the necessity of the shark nets themselves, particularly at Newark Beach where bathing is virtually non-existent.

Besides the fact they are ‘protecting’ nobody in particular - and this at great cost – the shark nets off this beach are also responsible for the highest number of killings of endangered Humpback dolphins.

The NSB, working with dolphin researchers, is doing all in its power to reduce the dolphin entanglement, including replacing some net sections with drum lines.

Almost two years ago, they requested the municipality (whose ultimate decision it is) to reduce by half the length of the nets at Newark Beach.

Regular follow-ups, including a recent presentation to council, have not elicited any response to this request.

It will be too late for those recent victims, but expect something to now be done.

At the very least, it could prevent further tragedy.