Four people have been rescued after they were trapped in a motorboat hanging off the dam wall at Grootdraai Dam in Standerton, Mpumalanga on Wednesday evening.

N17 Emergency Response said the incident unfolded around 6:45pm, prompted an urgent call for assistance from Delta 1 Rescue, leading to a swift response from emergency teams.

The emergency service said the response team arrived at 8:30pm. In a coordinated rescue effort, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was also deployed to ensure the safety and swift recovery of those involved in the incident.

To mitigate the dangerous conditions, responders opened three sluice gates to lower the water level at the dam wall. This action, however, resulted in increased water levels downstream, prompting authorities to issue urgent advisories to residents in low-lying areas.

Officials warned those living downstream to move to safety and to avoid the affected areas until further notice

Authorities have commended the quick operational response and the successful execution of the emergency plan in a potentially life-threatening situation.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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