RIP | Police diver, 43, dies in Robben Island tragedy

0 Warrant Officer Dewald Vorster, 43, pictured with his daughter, Mila, died during a police diving exercise near Robben Island on Tuesday, 27 October. Image: Facebook Home » News » RIP | Police diver, 43, dies in Robben Island tragedy

A police diver signalled that he was fine after surfacing near Robben Island, according to a report. Moments later, tragedy struck during the exercise.

0 Warrant Officer Dewald Vorster, 43, pictured with his daughter, Mila, died during a police diving exercise near Robben Island on Tuesday, 27 October. Image: Facebook A 43-year-old police diver died during a training exercise near Robben Island in Cape Town on Tuesday, 27 October.

Warrant Officer Dewald Vorster, from the George Public Order Policing (POPS) unit, gave colleagues a thumbs-up after resurfacing from a dive approximately 25 metres below the surface, according to a report.

He started swimming towards the boat, but his colleagues noticed something was wrong as they tried to pull him aboard.

Emergency personnel tried to save Vorster, but he died despite their efforts.

Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Table Bay Harbour Police had opened an inquest.

“The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” Twigg said.

Vorster’s father-in-law, businessman Dr Willie Cilliers, described him as a dedicated officer who regularly took part in search and rescue operations, according to a report.

He recently helped search for ostrich farmer Saag Jonker, whom floodwaters swept away near Oudtshoorn.

Vorster leaves behind his wife, Mariëtte, and their two-year-old daughter, Mila.

Family, friends and colleagues will gather at the George Dutch Reformed Mother Church on Friday, 30 October, for an 11:00 memorial service.

His family has opted for a private funeral instead of a state funeral.

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