One Brit dead on seal-watching trip as boat capsized

The tourist charter boat that capsized was carrying 40 tourists; 39 survived but most suffered from hypothermia...

15:36 15 October 2012

A vacation turned into a disaster for one family from Vale Of Glamorgan, South Wales as the boat that was supposed to take them to see some seal capsized leaving the head of the family dead.

 

Peter Hyett, 64 years old was the first casualty. The other 39 tourists, which include his wife and daughter survived the accident but most of them suffered from hypothermia. 

 

Another casualty was crewmember John Roberts whose body was recovered the following morning as it was found floating 21 metres below the surface. 

 

City of Cape Town spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes released a statement saying: “The family were over from Britain and were on the boat on the last day of their holiday. 

 

“Sadly Mr Hyatt died in the accident, but his wife and daughter were rescued and treated in hospital. 

 

“They are besides themselves and totally devastated. We are offering them all the care and help we can. 

 

“An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow by the Forensic Pathology Services of the Western Cape Government: Department of Health to establish the cause of death."