Delta 1 Rescue Diving

Happy Youth day. From our family to your's

Some people measure a life by the years they lived, but others are measured by the lives they touched.

Although we knew Stephan for only a short time, his impact on our lives and our organization was profound and lasting. He gave selflessly of himself, always willing to answer the call when someone was in need. Through his dedication to search and rescue, he brought hope, comfort, and assistance to countless people during some of their darkest moments.

His time with us was far too short, but his legacy of service, compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment will remain forever. On behalf of Delta 1 Rescue, we are deeply grateful for his dedication, his leadership, and the example he set for all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Thank you, Stephan, for every life you touched, every hand you reached out to, and every person you helped. Your contributions made a real difference, and your memory will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.

You will be deeply missed as a brother, a friend, and a Director of Delta 1 Rescue Diving. Though you are no longer by our side, your spirit will remain with us in every call answered, every life saved, and every act of service performed in your memory.

Rest in peace, our brother. Your watch is over. We will take it from here.

Forever remembered. Never forgotten.
Mike Delta 1. 🕊️💙

Thank you to everyone who supported the Delta 1 Rescue team at the Lifestyle Expo hosted at Terra Nova on Saturday.

It was a great day filled with community engagement and valuable interactions.

A special word of appreciation to our dedicated team members who took the time to attend and represent Delta 1 Rescue with professionalism, commitment, and pride throughout the event. Your hard work and positive attitude did not go unnoticed.

We are proud to serve the community and grateful for every opportunity to showcase what we stand for.

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to making the day a success.

🚨 What Search & Rescue Teams Really Face During Water Search & Recovery Operations 🚨

Behind every water rescue or recovery is a team of highly trained professional divers, rope rescue technicians, swift water rescuers, volunteers, medics and specialized K9 units, who put themselves in danger to help families find answers.

Here’s what our local Search & Rescue teams often face during water operations:

• Dangerous Currents & Cold Water; Fast-moving rivers and icy cold water can cause hypothermia in minutes, even in summer.

• Zero Visibility; Murky water makes underwater searches extremely difficult.

• Hazardous Conditions: Submerged vehicles, trees, rocks, debris, and strong currents that can endanger both rescuers and dogs.

• K9 S&R Teams. Specially trained Human Remains Detection dogs work from boats or along shorelines to detect the scent of human remains in the water. These incredible dogs can pick up scent even when visibility is zero, and the search area is large.

• Long, Exhausting Hours. Teams often search for many hours or days, working through the night and difficult weather.

• Emotional Challenge. The mental weight is heavy, but they continue for the families waiting for answers.

We are deeply grateful for every S&R diver, swiftwater rescuer, boat crew, support member, rope rescue technician, volunteer, medic and K9 S&R handlers and their amazing dogs who dedicate themselves to this work. 💙🐾

If your family is currently facing a water incident or a missing loved one, you are not alone.

Please message us right away, and we will connect you with the right professional S&R teams and K9 resources in your area as quickly as possible.

Tag a SAR member or K9 handler you know and say thank you 👇
Share this so more families understand what these heroes go through.

&R

Delta 1 Rescue continues to respond to critical incidents, providing search, rescue, and recovery support where it matters most. Our team operates voluntarily, often in challenging conditions, to assist communities and authorities when every second counts. We work with the SAPS Inland Water Police and SAPS K9 Search and Rescue.

To sustain and expand our operational capability, we are inviting partners and sponsors to come on board. Support can include fuel, equipment, logistics, or financial contributions that directly enable our teams on the ground.

By partnering with Delta 1 Rescue, you are contributing to real, life-impacting operations and community safety.

If you or your organisation would like to get involved, please contact us directly.

Together, we can make a difference where it counts.

DROWNING INCIDENT REPORT

Date: 01 May 2026
Time: 10h00
Location: Vaal River, Sakhile, Standerton

Responding Teams:
(MIWP)



Incident Summary:
A report was received on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, regarding an unidentified male who allegedly crossed the river to steal maize. While attempting to cross back, the individual disappeared beneath the water.

MIWP and SAPS K9 Search and Rescue responded to the scene on the same day; however, initial search efforts were unsuccessful.

On Friday, 01 May 2026, Delta 1 Rescue Diving joined the operation, covering approximately 10 km downstream. Due to the extensive search area and strong river currents, the search did not yield any results.

Current Status:
The search remains ongoing. All teams are scheduled to resume operations on Sunday, 03 May 2026, with the support of drones and additional resources.

Drowning Recovery.

Type: Drowning Incident
Location: Gate 7, Embalenhle
Date: Sunday, 26 April 2026
Time of Call: 11:55
Time of Recovery: 12:40

Responding Unit:
Delta 1 Rescue
Mpumalanga Inland Water Police

Assistance on Scene:
Embalenhle SAPS – Sgt Ngwenya and Capt Venter

Incident Details:
Delta 1 Rescue Diving responded to a reported drowning incident at the above-mentioned location. Upon arrival, members made contact with Embalenhle SAPS, who indicated the scene.

A search and recovery operation was conducted, resulting in the successful surface recovery of one body and underwater recovery of two bodies at an approximate depth of 3.4 meters at 12:40.

Circumstances:
The incident is believed to have occurred during a traditional ceremony.

Conclusion:
The deceased were handed over to Embalenhle SAPS for further investigation and processing.

Acknowledgement:
Delta 1 Rescue extends its appreciation to Embalenhle SAPS for their cooperation and assistance on scene.