On 26 April 2025, a devastating incident at the Koringspruit River near Blinkpan, about 40km from Middelburg, led to the death of a drone pilot from UDS UAV Drone Solutions after she was swept away by powerful river currents.
According to reports, the pilot and her crew were attempting to cross a small bridge with their vehicle when the surging waters overpowered them.
The vehicle was swept into the river by the strong current. While the crew members managed to escape from the vehicle and were transported to hospital for treatment, the pilot was unfortunately unable to escape the raging waters and was carried downstream.
Upon receiving the call from Blinkpan SAPS, multiple specialist rescue teams immediately mobilied to the scene. Members from Delta 1 Rescue Diving, Mpumalanga Inland Water Police, Lydenburg K9 Search and Rescue, Pro Ethnos, Fidelity Security, and UDS UAV Drone Solutions launched an intensive search operation.
Fidelity Security dispatched helicopters to conduct aerial searches, while drones from UDS UAV Drone Solutions scanned the riverbanks and surrounding terrain from above.
Despite the relentless efforts of all teams on the first day, strong currents and icy water temperatures severely hampered search operations.
As night fell, the rescue teams made the difficult decision to suspend the search, vowing to return at first light. By Saturday morning, the river level had dropped by approximately two meters, offering a slim but vital opportunity to resume the search.
The teams, determined to bring closure to the grieving family, regrouped along the riverbanks. Lydenburg K9 Search and Rescue, with the assistance of Delta 1 Rescue Diving and Pro Ethnos personnel, resumed operations in the freezing water and along the banks.
After nearly an hour of meticulous searching, Donna, a highly-trained K9 from Lydenburg K9 Search and Rescue, picked up a scent near thick reeds along the river.
Guided by Donna’s alert, rescue divers combed the area and discovered the body submerged beneath the vegetation.
The recovery was conducted with great care, and the body was formally handed over to Blinkpan SAPS at the scene.
The search and recovery mission was made possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of the teams involved, and through the unwavering support of sponsors and strategic partners, including Sasol Evander, Jelani Security, The Print Shop, ER24, AJ Safety Solutions, Cindy Viljoen Physiotherapist, MP Directory, JOUB Properties, and Afritech Fire.
Authorities expressed their deepest sympathies to the pilot’s family, friends, and colleagues, and commended the teamwork and perseverance demonstrated during the two-day operation.
Related
Discover more from sUAS News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
