NATIONAL NEWS - A man’s body was recovered from the Table Bay harbour this morning, police have confirmed.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, an inquest was opened after the man was declared dead on the scene.

A child was also pulled from the water and taken to a medical facility, Twigg says.

Investigation underway

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” he says.

A post on WAAR Brandit INNI KAAP on Facebook suggested the man jumped into the water with the child in what appeared to be a suicide attempt.

Twigg was unable to confirm this or to clarify the relationship between the man and the child. He urges anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app, where they can remain anonymous.

More details emerge

The National Sea Rescue Institute revealed more details about the tragedy. In a statement, spokesperson Craig Lambinon says the incident occurred at the Duncan Docks at around 10:00.

He says the NSRI’s Table Bay duty crew, City of Cape Town water rescue network and police were activated following reports of a drowning in progress.

Lambinon’s statement mentions that the child is five years old and was found safe in the care of Good Samaritan bystanders. The child was taken to paramedics and then transported to a local hospital in a stable condition.

It is unclear who pulled him out of the water.

“A search commenced in the water for an adult male, believed to be the dad of the child, who had reportedly gone missing in the water in undetermined circumstances that are being investigated by police,” he adds.

Divers, assisted by NSRI rescue swimmers, located the man’s body and brought it ashore on a police boat. He was declared deceased, and his body has been handed over to the police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Lambinon sent his condolences to the family of the deceased man.

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