Two Singaporeans die after canoes capsize in South African river

Two Singaporeans died in South Africa on Sunday afternoon in a river canoe expedition gone wrong

- Aqil Hamzah

The victims - a man and a woman - were part of a group of 20 Singaporeans who were canoeing in the Crocodile River accompanied by six local guides when their canoes capsized.

Their ages and identities are yet to be confirmed.

South African media outlets reported that the group had set off from a camp near the Lion and Safari Park in Broederstroom, an hour's car ride from Johannesburg.

In a statement, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its team at Hartbeespoort Dam, the Strategic Response Rescue Unit and the South African Police Service responded to the incident at about 2.40pm.

The NSRI rescues those experiencing distress in South Africa's coastal and inland waters.

Its spokesman, Mr Craig Lambinon, said in a message to the media, including The Straits Times, that the incident took place between the Lion and Safari Park and Hartbeespoort Dam, adding that rescue swimmers and medics were deployed on site.