Durban family reeling after brothers, aged 7 and 9, get into difficulty in resort pool

13 December 2021 - 13:55
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Two Durban brothers got into difficulty while swimming at a Drakensberg resort. File image.
Two Durban brothers got into difficulty while swimming at a Drakensberg resort. File image.
Image: 123RF/Andrey Armyagov

A Durban family is in mourning after two brothers, aged 7 and 9, got into difficulty and one drowned while swimming at Alpine Heath Resort in the Drakensberg at the weekend. 

The younger boy died on Sunday, while his brother is fighting for his life in a hospital ICU.

Alpine Heath Resort management told TimesLIVE that at about 5.15pm on Sunday, staff at the resort were alerted to two boys in distress in the children's pool.

“The two brothers, aged nine and seven, were found submerged under water and promptly pulled out by staff. Immediate CPR was performed on the scene by two first aid responders. Local paramedics arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and proceeded with medical treatment to resuscitate the two boys,” the resort said.

There were about 30 guests around the pool area at the time of the incident, and “no disorderly conduct was evident”.

“At 6.15pm it became apparent that paramedics were unable to resuscitate the younger of the two brothers. The paramedics managed to stabilise the one brother and transported him to Busamed Hospital in Harrismith. As at this morning, he remains in hospital in a critical condition with signs of improvement,” it said on Monday.

Alpine Heath management said on Monday morning that the entire team was praying for the recovery of the surviving brother.

“We will continue to support the parents and family during this harrowing time. Counselling and trauma support has been offered to both the family and staff following this tragic incident.

“SAPS have opened an enquiry and the management team are co-operating fully with the enquiry.”

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Capt Nqobile Gwala said an inquest docket was opened at Bergville SAPS.

“It is alleged by the complainant that a guest at the hotel required assistance as two boys had drowned in the resort pool. Upon the police's arrival, they observed a nine-year-old boy who had been resuscitated at the scene and was rushed to hospital for medical attention. A seven-year-old boy was declared dead at the scene.”

The Hartley Road Primary School pupils lived in Musgrave, Durban.

Family and friends posted prayers and tributes to the family on social media on Monday. The funeral for the seven-year-old was scheduled to take place on Monday afternoon.

TimesLIVE 


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.