Sad news for a Sunday. It has been confirmed that a SANParks firefighting chopper crashed at 11 am this morning in Olifantsbos, Cape Point, while on duty fighting a blaze that started in the reserve last Wednesday.
The Huey chopper was forced to make a crash landing earlier today, during which the pilot was critically injured, later passing away as confirmed on ER24.
The fallen hero has been identified as Bees Marais, an ex-SAPS and SA Air Force pilot who worked more recently as a freelance flyer for the Work On Fire organisation.
Helicopter involved in a forced landing while on fire suppression duty Cape Point. Air ambulance on the way to the scene. Pilot injured.
— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) March 8, 2015
Huey helicopter doing a fire recce and control came down near Cape Point. Tragically pilot killed. #CapeFire — Helen Zille (@helenzille) March 8, 2015
#CapeFire ER24 has confirmed a pilot died after his emergency helicopter went down at Cape Point a short while ago. NM
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 8, 2015
The pilot has died an absolute hero and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Read more here.
God help our beloved city and its inhabitants.
Omh. May his soul rest in peace
Very sad indeed
That’s sad. Last week I did fear about a crash occuring … those helicopters carry heavy loads in hot conditions and high winds. It is hard to control a rotor craft in such conditions (am not suggesting pilot error, we do not now what happened).
R.I.P.
Noooo! My heart bteaks for his family. May they find peace in the memories of his bravery.
It very sad may soul RIP
Very sad news! These people who selflessly go out there in this danger may be normal people doing their jobs, or what they feel is right, but in my eyes, they are heroes. RIP.
It very sad may his soul RIP
Oh no!
Oh no… That’s not how this week should end.
Was he over tired?
Rest in peace…go with light and love..
Ua our hero in Cape town RIP
What terrible news! Sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
A hero falls
R.I.P Col bees Marais SAPS Air Wing retired.
Francois Huysamen
sad day,.. God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.,.fallen hero, never forgotten…i salute u..
Such sad news – loving thoughts to his family.
RIP
Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace
O No! RIP
Tragic RIP
Rip oom Bees, awesome pilot
A true hero
So sad 🙁
so sad
Oh no. How much more drama? Condolences to the family.
so sad
Oh no!! Sorry 4 him! R.I.P…
This is so sad Condolences to his family.
Rest in peace our hero my sincere condolences to his family
Our deepest sympathies to family & friends of Mr Bees Marais … you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Só sad!
Have a veteran fireman living next door to me. God be with these men.
Tarryn Lee Ventura
I feel it with jis family I wish them everything of the best..
So sad RIP . May God surround your family with love and comfort during this difficult time.
A hero who died not in vain R.I.P
You were a legend Oom Bees.
Comforting to know you died a hero and doing so what you loved.
So so tragic U0001f626
We salute you brave man. We are so sad
A Hero! Our sincere condolences to his family and friends
Our deepest condolences go out to the family – this is just terrible news
Hartseer.
Rest in peace. My condolences to the family
N ware held. Ons innige meegevoel met sy familie. Dankie.
Tears in my eyes when I heard about this.. After everything that these guys have done it’s a very sad way to end a very dramatic week… Tears go out to his family.. Very sorry for their loss
Very sorry to hear this, RIP
RIP HERO
We salute u a true hero
Sad news indeed our sincere sympathy to his family. RIP
that is just super sad
Tragic news, May his soul rest in peace, a real hero..
God bless and keep you in his arms Bees Marais, we all thank you for your total dedication to helping others, one very brave soul. Condolences to your family and all those that held you in their hearts.
So sad. May this Hero RIP and may GOD Almighty grant peace to his family and friends.
He gave his life to help others…God have Mercy on him…Amen
R.I.P. Thank you for what you did and condolences to your family.
Salute. Very tragic
H E R O. …God took you to promote you Sir ..well done good and faithfull servant ..
Sorry to hear such sad news
Rest in peace hero.
RIP
Salute to a hero! Rest in peace brother!
The best helicopter pilot I have ever flown with. A true legend and hero… RIP Oom Bees, you will be missed.