Vaal River drowning death toll

Onlookers watch as police divers conduct their search for missing drowning victims on the Vaal Dam Sunday, 18 October 2020. Image: SAPS

Vaal River drowning death toll at five after four more bodies recovered

The boat was carrying seven people when it capsized on Saturday afternoon.

Vaal River drowning death toll

Onlookers watch as police divers conduct their search for missing drowning victims on the Vaal Dam Sunday, 18 October 2020. Image: SAPS

Police divers recovered four more bodies from the Vaal River on Sunday following Saturday’s boating accident, bringing to five the number of people who died in the tragedy.

One body was recovered Saturday.

The boat was carrying seven people when it overturned late Saturday afternoon.

Police said two people, one woman and one man, survived the ordeal.

One of the survivors told police the boat was taking on water when it capsized.

“Seven people, whose ages range between 30 and 45, were cruising on a boat on the Vaal River, Vereeniging from Three Rivers when their boat capsized,” said police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters.

An inquest docket has been opened for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drownings.