A joint operations centre was set up by a number of rescue services to manage the search for the missing family.
A GROUP EFFORT to save a family When a family of five lost their way in the Krantzkloof Reserve after heavy flooding, a host of rescue organisations rallied together to find them. What followed was a harrowing search-and-rescue effort that extended deep into the night. By Cherelle Leong
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OCATED ABOUT 30KM INLAND from Durban Harbour, the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is not the usual area of operations for Station 5 (Durban). But when a call came in that a family of five, including a two-year-old girl, were missing in the reserve, which was flooded after a heavy thunderstorm, there were concerns that a swift-water rescue team may be needed. The family had headed out for a short walk late morning when the skies had been clear and the 12 |
SEA RESCUE AUTUMN 2021
day had been warm. But a sudden thunderstorm soon changed everything, resulting in a heavy downpour of almost 60mm in only 90 minutes. It is believed the family became disorientated during the storm, and by late afternoon the mother, who had stayed at home, raised the alarm. A joint operations centre was set up between the South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 Unit, Kloof Neighbourhood Watch and RescueTech, the local volunteer rescue organisation. An initial
