CAPE TOWN – Three tourists died when a freak wave capsized their boat in shark-infested waters off the coast of South Africa, authorities said on Monday.
The victims – two Americans and a Norwegian – were visiting South Africa’s premier shark diving destination about180 km (110 miles) southeast of Cape Town when they were knocked overboard, said National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)spokesman Craig Lambinon.
All 10 tourists and nine crew members were flung into the ocean when the wave struck in calm waters on Sunday.
“Other shark-diving boats responded to the rescue and brought (the) … survivors on shore. We tried to resuscitate the Norwegian, unsuccessfully,” said Lambinon.
A private boat later brought the bodies of the two Americans on shore. They were declared dead on arrival.
Police captain Andre Traut identified the Americans as Cassey Scott Lajeunesse, 35, from Maine, and Christopher Tallman, 35, from California. Kenneth Roque, 37, from Moss in Norway was the third victim.
The three are presumed to have drowned, but South Africanpolice have opened an inquest confirm the causes of death.
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WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- A private boat later brought the bodies of the two Americans on shore.
- All 10 tourists and nine crew members were flung into the ocean when the wave struck in calm waters on Sunday.
- The three are presumed to have drowned, but South Africanpolice have opened an inquest confirm the causes of death.
