A sailboat drifted ashore on a Southbroom beach on the KwaZulu-Natal lower south coast of South Africa on Saturday. The body of a French sailor was found aboard. The yacht, originally from Papua New Guinea, had left Port Elizabeth a few days ago with one person on board. The man is believed to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected. The sailor’s name has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Police have opened an inquest docket and SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority). MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) and Police are investigating and assisting in the case.
#sapsKZN A yacht washed out at Southbroom beach in Margate policing precinct. Upon investigation the decomposed body of a French national was discovered. According to the log he was sailing from Port Elizabeth. Role players are still at the scene. SW pic.twitter.com/ekl77DuzNJ
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 15, 2018
I humbly quote Robert E Browne
A sailor’s death on ships of sleep
With few to know and none to weep
For faith so brave, a soul to keep
A silent grave in oceans deep.
RIP and my condolences to his friends and family
RIP sailor. You died doing what you loved. Being free at sea.
Set adrift to steer its own course
A worthy sailboat returns to shore