Two men swept away during ceremony in KwaZulu-Natal, bodies recovered.

According to Meyrick, the incident occurred as the two men faced difficulties during their participation in the cleansing ceremony, ultimately being swept downriver.

Immediate efforts by emergency workers to locate the individuals had to be halted due to adverse weather conditions. Nevertheless, a renewed search effort unfolded on Friday and Saturday, resulting in the recovery of both bodies.

Teams from IPSS Search & Rescue, Umhlali SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, Durban SAPS K9 Search & Rescue, Badul Air, and KDM Maritime Safety recommenced their search along the Mvoti River.

Meyrick reported that the bodies of the victims were found in the river, less than a kilometer apart. "Both deceased are now accounted for. Our condolences go out to their friends and family," expressed Meyrick.

The unfortunate incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers associated with activities conducted in natural environments, especially during adverse weather conditions.

The collaboration of various search and rescue teams highlights the concerted efforts made to recover the bodies and bring closure to the families affected by this tragedy.

As the community mourns the loss of these two individuals, it also emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety protocols and exercising caution when engaging in ceremonies or rituals near bodies of water, particularly during unpredictable weather conditions.

The recovery of the bodies brings a sense of closure to the incident, but the impact on the families and community remains profound.

Source: IOL