Hi Guys,

I read the local zululand observer, and front page was about a spearo missing, and possibly linked to a shark attack,

Four guys were diving, and one did not surface, the paper said that they were diving in Shark infested water,

The coast guard has been patrolling, beach and water, but no results.

I think Pierre Kotze was mentioned as also being on the boat, and Koos Jordaan,

Just what I read,

Unfortunately the news is true.

The diver is Hilton Grove (nick Gromit) from PE. He was up visiting Zululand.

However, the reports about sharks etc is purely conjecture and sensationalism and purely gutter journalism. Everywhere on the SA coast is considered "shark infested".

The truth of the matter, most probably, is that Hilton had a Shallow Water Blackout (SWB). I spoke with Koos (understandably rattled) and it was literally their last drift. They had been diving all day so fatigue was definitely a factor.

Hilton was one of the main driving forces behind this year's Nationals in PE and a stalwart of the newly formed Gullyjumpers club in PE. As new diver he already had a huge impact on SA Spearfishing. I had chatted to him many times on the phone and when I met him for the first time just on 3 weeks ago at Nationals it was as if we were old mates.

Truly a top bloke. Thoughts with his family and friends in this horrible, horrible time.

Very sad. Condolences to his family.

Here is the article link: www.nsri.org.za/2012/04/spear-fisherman-missing-feared-drowned/

My sincere condolences to all Gromit's friends and family.

I hope this does not sound harsh. But have they found a body? Reason I ask is they can then sometimes determine the cause of death and also at times life insurance also need a report.

It is very sad and unfortunate.

This is really sad. My thoughts and condolences to everyone who knew him.

Magman, I was diving on the South Coast, not anywhere near Richards Bay.