By Canisius Mushibwe
A German tourist and two crew members have lost their lives after a houseboat caught fire on a dam in South Africa.
Five passengers and four crew members were aboard the boat on the Jozini Dam in KwaZulu-Natal province on Saturday when it caught fire.
The three drowned after they dived into the water to escape the flame. Two bodies were recovered in the dam while a search for the other body is still underway.
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said in a statement that it is yet to establish the cause of the blaze but have said investigations are still ongoing.
SAMSA said the boat was reported to have been on a two-night cruise when the ordeal occurred.
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs head, Ravi Pillay was saddened over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.