Their small tiller boat had hit a sandbank near the river mouth and was then apparently swept to sea. All six on board the small boat lost their lives in the tragedy. Leatitia Wildeman and her eight-year-old son, Luan Wildeman were laid to rest on Saturday, August 18. The bodies of Jeffrey Wildeman and Roland Figland have not yet been recovered.
It was evident at the funerals of Waits and Wildeman that they were well loved by all in New Horizon, Plettenberg Bay. Hundreds of residents attended the funeral at the New Horizon Community Hall.
Lucy Wildeman said that she was relieved that her husband's body had been found and recovered on Friday, August 17 near Port Elizabeth. Wildeman further said that she and her family have found closure and that she was very happy with the manner by which the funeral was conducted. "I am going to miss my husband. I loved him dearly, and my life will never be the same without him," she said.
Henry Waits' wife, Tessa said that the tragedy had been a great shock and loss for the family, but that they could start moving on with their lives. "I am glad that everything has been finalised and that my husband was laid to rest. We are going to miss him and we have found peace," said Tessa.
Family members of Roland Figland were still praying that his body would be found. "I am honestly very hurt. I really don't know how to move forward without thinking of my father who has not yet been found. Each day we wonder where his body may be. We are all looking for closure. I know my mother does not sleep well, because we all would want to see his body be found and recovered," said Louise Adams, Figland's daughter.
According to a Figland family member, they have been informed that the search for the missing fishermen and their boat had been called off.
Captain Malcolm Pojie, SAPS media liaison officer, confirmed that the search has been halted. He explained Pojie further said that they have searched along the coastline and at various points at sea but found nothing that could lead police to the missing men or their boat. He further said that the police divers and police officials would be reinstated should new evidence be found to lead the police.
Several businesses, organisations and community members of Plettenberg Bay have extended their sincerest condolences to the Wildeman and Waits families for their great loss. The Wildeman and Waits families wished to thank all key-role players who assisted with the funeral and search operation. They would also like to thank all the businesses and organisations who donated towards the funeral and who supported them during a difficult time.
The bereaved family of Henry Waits comfort each other at his funeral on Saturday, August 25. Waits' distraught relatives are (from left) daughters Karen Beauzick, Henriette Waits, his wife Tessa Waits, daughter Sylvia Beauzick and grandchild, Luciano Beauzick.
