CHILDREN play in the shal low waters on the beach at Herolds Bay. It looks and smells like holiday – the fresh sea breeze, people eating ice cream, others sunning themselves on the silvery sand, seagulls dipping and swooping over the water. But a sombre scene behind the life guards’ station tells you it isn’t just anoth er early summer day in this seaside village near George in the Western Cape.
Ettienne Scheepers (36), an electrician and owner of the local Beans & Basil café, is waiting with friends and colleagues for the return of a rubber duck belonging to the local National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
It’s believed they’ve found the body of Ettienne’s wife, Heidi (35), who disappeared four days earlier with the couple’s children, Cuzette (6) and Hugo (2).
Police divers found little Hugo two days ago in the sea offVoëlklip near George – he was floating, still strapped in his car seat, in one of the crevices in a cliff face.
Cops also found wreckage of the Volkswagen Caravelle Heidi was driving when she left Herolds Bay with the two children on the afternoon of 22 October.
That evening Ettienne waited in vain at their home in the neighbouring village of Oubaai for his family to return.
Earlier today a Herolds Bay resident spotted a body floating on the ocean through a pair of binoculars. Now Ettienne and his party are waiting for the NSRI boat to return. Residents and beach goers are sitting on concrete terraces sur rounding the beach – an amphitheatre for the unfolding of a reallife drama.
Soon after 2.30pm police evacuate the beach as the rescue boat races through waves and slides onto the sand.
This story is from the 7 November 2019 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 7 November 2019 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines