Eschewing direct media contact the family of Fishhoek Shark Attack victim Lloyd Skinner and his partner, Debby Paine, issued the following statement via the NSRI:

We would be very grateful if thanks could be extended to all concerned that were involved in the search and rescue, and post- attack operations relating to the fatal shark attack on Lloyd Skinner on Tuesday 12th January, 2010.

From the initial contact with the Fish Hoek  Lifesavers, NSRI, Fish Hoek Police, Trauma Support Unit, ‘Nippers’ moms – FHSLC, Save Our Seas Shark Centre, Fish Hoek Life Saving Club staff, members of Fish Hoek Community and many others who helped without even making us aware of who they were.  The kindness and support shown to Lloyd’s partner Debby Paine immediately following the incident was unparalleled.  Special mention should be made of Janeen Orford, Ian Klopper and Mike Schilperoort.

Lloyd had spent many vacations in Fish Hoek and was very happy following his love of the outdoor pursuits, of road running, fishing and of course swimming. The Fish Hoek community were always hospitable and it was no wonder Lloyd returned time and time again to this town.

A memorial service has been arranged for Lloyd in Harare Zimbabwe and will be held on Friday 22nd January.  A remarkable and accomplished man in his professional career, his sporting achievements, and in his personal relationships.

Once again our sincere thanks to all concerned who we have come into contact with.

(Signed)

John and Margie Skinner (Lloyd’s parents)
Diane and Debra Skinner (Lloyd’s sisters)
Debby Paine  (Lloyd’s partner)

RIP Lloyd Skinner

Ian Klopper, NSRI helicopter rescue commander, said: “A 37 year old Zimbabwean man remains missing after eye-witnesses observed him being bitten by a shark 100 metres off Fish Hoek beach at approximately 15h18 on 12 January.

An extensive search by rescue craft from NSRI Simonstown, the Metro Red Cross AMS helicopter and a lifeguard rescue rubber duck has revealed no sign of the missing man and a Police Dive Unit will join in the ongoing search at first light tomorrow.

“The NSRI are in close contact with the mans family in Zimbabwe but the name of the man will not be released until his sisters can be reached abroad.

” At Fish Hoek beach today the shark spotters black flag, warning of shark activity in the area, was flying at the time and although shark spotters were on-duty at the time no sign of the shark was observed prior to the incident.

“Sea conditions remain poor vizibility due to murky water which has prevented a dive search immediately.

“The missing man is from Harare, Zimbabwe, although he lived in the Congo for some time and was in Cape Town for the past 10 days with his partner and was due to leave for the United Kingdom in a weeks time.
“According to eye-witnesses the man had waded into the surf approximately 100 metres off-shore and he was standing in chest deep water when the incident took place.

“The NSRI and shark spotters continue to warn of increased shark activity close in-shore on the False Bay coast and bathers and surfers should leave the water when shark spotters sound the alarm and caution swimming and surfing along this stretch of coast.”

A fatal drowning accident occurred at Fish Hoek beach on Sunday 6 December in the afternoon.

Darren Zimmerman, NSRI Simonstown station commander, said the NSRI Simonstown volunteer duty crew dispatched a rescue vehicle and the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Safmarine III to respond to the scene at 15h20 following confirmation from on-duty lifeguards at Fish Hoek beach that a man was missing in the surf in front of the Fish Hoek hobie-cat club.

CMR (Cape Medical Response) paramedics, Metro False Bay volunteer Emergency Medical Services and the SA Police Services also responded to the scene to assist.

On arrival on-scene the NSRI joined lifeguards who were already searching for the missing 27 year old man from Gassy Park.

It was confirmed that the brother of the missing man had tried desperately, in vain, to rescue his brother who it appears had gotten caught in strong rip-currents.

It was only after the brother of the missing man swam to the beach and collapsed on the beach, after trying desperately to save his brother, that anyone noticed that there was someone in difficulty and alerted the on-duty lifeguards.

During the search operation the body of the 27 year old man was found in shallow surf, further down the beach, and the CMR and Metro volunteer paramedics initiated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation efforts but after all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted he was declared dead on the scene.

The body of the man has been handed into the care of the SA Police Services and the Forensic Pathology Services.

Two fatal drowning accidents and one near drowning accident in the Western Cape over this weekend highlights the importance for beach goers to exercise extreme caution at our beaches Nationally over the festive season.

Two of these drowning accidents, both fatal, at Eerste Steen on Saturday and at Fish Hoek on Sunday, occurred at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

All three drowning accidents are suspected to have been caused by strong rip-currents and the near drowning accident at Camps Bay beach, on Saturday night, is suspected to have been caused by a combination of alcohol abuse and strong rip-currents.

The NSRI are urging beach goers to only swim within the safe swimming demarcated zones marked by lifeguards, at beaches where they are on duty, with red and yellow flags.

Do not drink alcohol and go swimming or boating. Be very aware that strong rip-currents prevail all along the coastline. Wear your lifejacket at all times while on any craft on water.