On 26 April 2025, a devastating incident on the Koringspruit River close to Blinkpan, about 40km from Middelburg, led to the demise of a drone pilot from UDS UAV Drone Options after she was swept away by highly effective river currents.
In line with reviews, the pilot and her crew have been making an attempt to cross a small bridge with their automobile when the surging waters overpowered them.
The automobile was swept into the river by the sturdy present. Whereas the crew members managed to flee from the automobile and have been transported to hospital for therapy, the pilot was sadly unable to flee the raging waters and was carried downstream.
Upon receiving the decision from Blinkpan SAPS, a number of specialist rescue groups instantly mobilied to the scene. Members from Delta 1 Rescue Diving, Mpumalanga Inland Water Police, Lydenburg K9 Search and Rescue, Professional Ethnos, Constancy Safety, and UDS UAV Drone Options launched an intensive search operation.
Constancy Safety dispatched helicopters to conduct aerial searches, whereas drones from UDS UAV Drone Options scanned the riverbanks and surrounding terrain from above.
Regardless of the relentless efforts of all groups on the primary day, sturdy currents and icy water temperatures severely hampered search operations.
As evening fell, the rescue groups made the troublesome choice to droop the search, vowing to return at first gentle. By Saturday morning, the river degree had dropped by roughly two meters, providing a slim however important alternative to renew the search.
The groups, decided to convey closure to the grieving household, regrouped alongside the riverbanks. Lydenburg K9 Search and Rescue, with the help of Delta 1 Rescue Diving and Professional Ethnos personnel, resumed operations within the freezing water and alongside the banks.
After practically an hour of meticulous looking out, Donna, a highly-trained K9 from Lydenburg K9 Search and Rescue, picked up a scent close to thick reeds alongside the river.
Guided by Donna’s alert, rescue divers combed the realm and found the physique submerged beneath the vegetation.
The restoration was performed with nice care, and the physique was formally handed over to Blinkpan SAPS on the scene.
The search and restoration mission was made doable due to the dedication and experience of the groups concerned, and thru the unwavering help of sponsors and strategic companions, together with Sasol Evander, Jelani Safety, The Print Store, ER24, AJ Security Options, Cindy Viljoen Physiotherapist, MP Listing, JOUB Properties, and Afritech Hearth.
Authorities expressed their deepest sympathies to the pilot’s household, buddies, and colleagues, and counseled the teamwork and perseverance demonstrated throughout the two-day operation.
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