Shayamanzi Luxury House Boats is a dream destination for scores of travellers, but on Saturday that turned into a nightmare when a guest and a crew member died, and another person is still missing – following a devastating fire.
The popular house boat floats on Jozini Dam in KwaZulu-Natal, and is world renown for wildlife that includes rare birds, elephants and even elusive leopards.
According to reports, the fire broke out at 4.30pm on Saturday, 9 October with nine people aboard. One crew member died in the fire, one of the guests believed to be from Germany also perished in the blaze and another crew member is still missing. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed.
In a Facebook post, the company said they were devastated by the incident.
“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.”
An inquest has been opened and further investigations will continue. The search for the missing crew member is ongoing.
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