Holidaymaker dies after vehicle submerges in Goukou River
His sister, reportedly injured in the accident, is receiving hospital treatment.
A 21-year-old man from the Western Cape has died after his vehicle was found submerged in the Goukou River near the mouth of the river in Stilbaai, according to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). The body was recovered early Tuesday morning, 16 September 2026, following reports of the submerged vehicle. Lian Combrinck, deputy station commander for NSRI Stilbaai, said rescue swimmers worked alongside the Police and other emergency services to recover the body.
The man, who was on holiday with his family, was pronounced dead by paramedics. His sister, who was reportedly injured in the accident, is receiving medical care in a hospital. Police have opened an inquest into the incident. Meanwhile, NSRI Simons Town rescued two experienced paddlers from St Francis Bay after their double surf-ski capsized in rough seas during a downwind paddle race on Saturday, 12 September.
The pair had been missing for nearly two hours due to strong winds and high waves when they were found exhausted and hypothermic by rescue swimmers. The surf-ski was also recovered and the paddlers were treated for their conditions before being released to their families.
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