The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Accident and Incident Investigation Department (AIID) was formally requested by the South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (Sahpa) to undertake the investigation during which Irish rugby coach Greig Oliver (58) died.
According to Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the CAA, the AIID was requested to handle the investigation due to the specific complexities and extent of the accident.
“An AIID investigator has been sent to the crash site to collect evidence to obtain more information, which will help determine the scope of the investigation,” says Majola.
Based on initial information gathered, the AIID can confirm that tandem paragliders, on which Oliver was aboard, departed from Seinheuwel in Cape Town at 12:53 on 3 July with the intention of landing on the Sea Point Promenade.
Before the glider could land, this craft and another glider collided in the air above the promenade.
RNews earlier reported that the glider Oliver was on deployed a second parachute during the accident and landed between 200m and 300m far into the sea.
The male pilot of this glider was found near the promenade and treated for minor injuries. Oliver was found on the rocks by the boardwalk.
“The AIID will continue to provide the necessary feedback regarding this investigation, with a preliminary report to be issued within 30 days of the day of this accident.”
Oliver took part in the first Rugby World Cup as a rugby player for Scotland in 1987 before gaining recognition as a talented coach in Ireland.
Oliver’s son is the scrumhalf of the o. Ireland U20 rugby team, Jack Oliver.
Oliver and his wife, Fiona, were in South Africa to support Jack, who was playing rugby in Cape Town.
The Irish’s o. 20 team dedicated their victory against the Junior Bokke to Jack on Sunday.
The Irish defeated the Young Bucks 31 – 12 to reach the final of World Rugby’s 0.20 Championship.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille expressed her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Oliver. She also emphasized the strong safety protocols that apply in the adventure tourism sector in South Africa.
“We share in their grief and offer our full support in this difficult time,” said De Lille.
“South Africa offers a broad spectrum of adventure tourism activities, and we firmly believe in offering exciting, safe and memorable experiences to our visitors. This tragic incident makes us aware once again that we must fully support strong safety protocols and a strong regulatory environment to grow and develop South Africa as a destination where adventurers feel safe and secure.”
De Lille further affirmed South Africa’s commitment to the highest levels of safety standards maintained by the adventure tourism sector in South Africa, and praised the efforts of organizations such as the South African Tourism Services Association (Satsa) which promotes self-regulation in the adventure tourism sector. faith.
“Through our collective efforts, industry stakeholders, adventure tourism operators and associations can strengthen our safety protocols and ensure the well-being of adventure tourists. I am committed to engaging with stakeholders in the industry to collaborate on any initiative that puts the welfare of our tourists first.”
A moment of silence was observed in Stellenbosch in memory of Greig Oliver.#WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/golX3tYuWd
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) July 4, 2023
A really classy touch from Fiji as they pay their respects to Ireland and the late Greig Oliver.pic.twitter.com/9zpyUSYbeU
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 4, 2023
