News24 | Man drowns at popular dam within Table Mountain National Park

The body of a 25-year-old man who drowned at Silvermine Dam was recovered on Sunday.

• A man drowned at Silvermine Dam in Cape Town on Sunday.
• The dam lies within the Table Mountain National Park.
• The dam has been closed until further notice.

A man drowned at the Silvermine Dam in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in Cape Town on Sunday.

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said park rangers contacted the City of Cape Town's 107 control room after bystanders approached them to raise the alarm.

Officials launched a dive search operation to find the 25-year-old man, who is believed to be a local.

Lambinon said the man's body was retrieved and taken into the care of forensic pathology services.

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He said more information may become available as the situation unfolds.

"All efforts are concentrated on the family and those affected by this sad incident."

On the SA National Parks-TMNP Facebook page, park manager Megan Taplin said: "The family positively identified the body and is now undergoing counselling. We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time."

The dam is a popular site, especially in warm weather, for holding picnics and cooling off in crystal clear waters.

In a notice, visitors were advised that the dam, which lies in the central section of TMNP, was closed to the public until further notice due to the drowning.

"Table Mountain National Park will continue to provide updates on progress being made once the information becomes available and we kindly request visitors to be patient with us during this time."