Fishermen warned to follow safety protocols after shark-related deaths on KZN's south coast

AUTHORITIES have warned fishermen to heed safety protocols while the shark nets have been removed for the sardine run. This was after two fishermen died in separate shark-related incidents along KZN's south coast.

One fisherman was killed in a shark attack, while he was fishing in a shoal of sardines. Another allegedly had a heart attack, while trying to pull a 50kg shark to shore.

Last Friday, a 37-year-old fisherman disappeared under water after a shark appeared, while he was fishing near a school of sardines along the coastline of Mfazazana near Hibberdene with two of his friends.

His body, which appeared to have shark bite wounds, was recovered on Sunday by the SAPS K9 Search and Rescue units, the SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services, and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Shelly Beach.

“It was reported that three local fishermen were in the water near a school of sardines. One man disappeared under water after a shark appeared to surface where the man was fishing. One of the friends attempted to intervene, but it is believed he was confronted by at least two sharks, and he retreated to the shoreline. It is believed the sharks were feeding on the school of sardines at the time,” said the NSRI in a statement.

A week ago, Strinivasan Pillay, 54, from Queensburgh, died from a heart attack due to the strain he suffered, while he was reeling in a shark at Ansteys Beach on the Bluff.

His son, Santhan Pillay, who lives in Miami, Florida, said his father died while doing what he loved.

“He had been fishing for the past 45 years. The other fisherman and my family told me that he passed away while fighting a shark on the other end of the rod line. He already had three stents put in 10 years ago. 

"My mum and dad went to the beach together and he hooked the shark on his first throw. While fighting the shark, he collapsed and passed on. I believe the adrenaline rush caused the heart attack,” he added.

He said this was not the first time his dad had caught a shark.

“The shark weighed 50kg and caused him strain, but this was not the first time he had hooked a shark. Over the past four fishing outings, he hooked big sharks and other fish. He passed away while pursuing his favorite hobby. It is bitter-sweet to me,” said Pillay.

Jace Govender, the superintendent of south coast beaches for eThekwini, urged fishermen to be cautious as the shark nets have been removed due to the sardine run.

Regarding the man who was bitten by the shark, Govender said: “The shark did not go to attack him. He was a local fisherman and in the wrong place at the wrong time. Both the shark and the fisherman were hunting the sardines. Sharks do not go hunting people. That is not their nature. They were there to feed on the sardines and the sea is their territory. The shark did nothing wrong. When we enter the water during sardine season, we know the risks and we understand and accept the responsibility of it."

He further cautioned fishermen, with underlying health conditions, like Pillay, from fishing during hot weather conditions and catching larger species of fish.

“Mr Pillay had a medical issue and underlying conditions, and the excessive strain he faced while trying to land the shark allegedly led to his death. Fishing is straining, especially when you hook a big fish. Fatigue from the sun and not being hydrated are factors that can lead to people with underlying health conditions becoming sick.

“We advise older fisherfolk with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, cholesterol and high blood pressure, to get advice from a doctor before they fish, or do any extreme sport. We also suggest that they target smaller species and fish close to areas where there are lifeguards who can render assistance should they fall ill,” Govender added.

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