A guest and a crew member died after a fire broke out on a luxury houseboat operated by Shayamanzi in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Another crew member is missing.
The cause of the fire, which started on the afternoon of October 9, is unclear but resulted in the drowning of the guest and crew member and the presumed drowning of a second crew member, KZN Saps spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed. Gwala said there had been 9 people on the boat, 6 of which had survived the fire.
Shayamanzi have put out a statement on their Facebook page: “We are heartbroken to inform you, that as a result of a fire on Shayamanzi l, a tragic accident has resulted in a loss of life of one of our Guests and a Crew Member. As a long-established family owned business, we are devastated and are doing everything possible to understand and support the investigation and impact on our Guests, Crew and their Families. On behalf of the Shayamanzi Team our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We mourn with you.”
