2nd body found after drowning at Vic Bay

GEORGE NEWS - A body that washed out on Wilderness beach on Saturday 7 September has been identified as that of Sanele Adonis (20) who disappeared while swimming in the sea at Victoria Bay on Saturday 31 August.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon confirmed that the Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS), assisted by NSRI Wilderness, recovered the body 1,5km off-shore of Wilderness Beach.

According to Lambinon, a group of paddlers on their way from Victoria Bay to Sedgefield had come across a body floating in the sea and they raised alarm at 09:16.

The SAPS, police investigating officers, WPDS, the Western Cape Government EMS, and Forensic Pathology Services responded to join the NSRI duty crew at their rescue base in Wilderness. A rescue craft was launched to execute the recovery.

Adonis had gone swimming with his friend, Xhanti Salmani (17), when both of them got caught in rip currents and disappeared in the water. Salmani's body was found on Tuesday 3 September, also at Wilderness beach.

Lambinon commended the paddlers for their assistance and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

A memorial service was held yesterday (Wednesday) for Salmani at his home and another at his school, Eden Technical High. His funeral is taking place on Saturday at 10:00 from the Thembalethu Community Hall.

George Herald could not reach Adonis' family for comment.

Sanele Adonis