PHOENIX – Two families from Palmview, Phoenix are reeling from shock, after tragedy struck on Sunday morning, when their sons, both avid fishermen, were washed into strong currents at Virginia Beach and drowned.
Hundreds of mourners gathered today at 10am and 10:15am for the funerals of engineering student Waseem Adam(21) and mechanic, Imran Noor-Mohamed (30).
When Marshall Security responded to the call yesterday, they found Imran about one kilometer out to sea struggling against the waves. Swimming out immediately, members of the Marshall Security special operations team managed to retrieve Imran and brought him to shore. “Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation efforts were attempted over forty minutes, however they proved unsuccessful and the man was declared dead on scene,” said Kyle Van Reenen of Marshall Security.
The friends had been fishing off the pier at Virginia Beach when Waseem slipped, falling into the rough surf. It is understood that friend, Imran courageously dove into the water to save Waseem. “He died a hero,” said long-time friend Bilal Ahmed who had joined the funeral on Hailpalm road where Imran lived. Mourners reeling in shock could not say anything bad about Imran who they described with respect. “He was such a light to everyone’s heart,” said cousin Qurasha Shaik, while close friend Nadhir Ahmed said: “He was such a happy-go-lucky guy. Fishing and cars were his two great passions.” Neighbour, Nizam Basha Singh said that there had been hundreds of visitors paying their respects. “He was so family orientated, everything he did was for his family,” said Singh.
On Dessertpalm Road, where nearly 300 mourners had gathered, Waseem Adam was honoured by family, friends, and community members. “He loved fishing, it was his time to relax,” said sister, Anisa Adam who added that Waseem was in the last week of his studies when he tragically passed. Cousin Saleha Kadir was with Anisa grappling with the shock of their loss. “He was such a light in our lives,” said Anisa. “He filled our family with fun, joy and happiness,” added Kadir. Among the mourners who gathered was Mariem Khan, who said that Waseem used read from the Koran. ” You would automatically start to tear up when you heard him speak,” said Kadir, ” there wasn’t a bad hair on his head.”
Both were buried at Woodview Cemetery shortly after the funeral proceedings in Phoenix today.
“The SAPS were on the scene at Virginia Beach and an inquest docket has been opened,” said Captain Raymond Deokaran of the Durban North SAPS.