The body of Umhlanga businessman Tony Govender has been recovered from Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal.
Image: Supplied
The body of Umhlanga businessman Tony Govender has been recovered from Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Metro Police Search and Rescue Units successfully recovered the 54-year-old's body on Tuesday morning.
Govender, a former Navy officer and father of two, reportedly visited the dam with friends on Friday. He allegedly entered the water in an attempt to retrieve a jet ski that had drifted away due to strong winds.
The incident occurred just days after Govender celebrated his 54th birthday on May 25. Friends had taken him to the dam as a birthday treat.
RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram said the recovery operation began on Friday and continued for five days.
Govender's family remained on the banks of the Hazelmere Dam during the recovery operation.
"RUSA initially deployed a helicopter in a rescue attempt before it could be established that Govender had drowned. On request of the family, the helicopter was again despatched to conduct a low search on Saturday afternoon," said Balram.