Drone in the Drink

HAPPIER DAYS: Paul Daniel pulls into the tube beneath Chapmans Peak. Photo Grebe

Danie Grebe was filming a few hundred metres out to sea off a deepwater reef in Cape Town on Wednesday when a warning light began to blink on his remote. Battery malfunction. Ah no!

"The drone started landing immediately and despite my attempts to bring it back to land, all I could do was watch the water get closer and closer on the screen before it went black. I swam out and tried to dive for it but could not find it."

He was mortified. His one year-old drone had ditched into the drink. A passionate photograpther based in Cape Town, his work is gaining popularity amongst a widening circle of friends and clients, who enjoy his focus on the beauty of the ocean and the power and majesty of its waves.

TOP TO TOE: The drone has blown away the art of the perspective. Photo Grebe

The next day, he decided to hit up his friends to help him raise the R9,500 he needed to replace his drone. He launched a fundraising campaign on Backabuddy.com and within three days, he had raised more than enough money. The response was quite incredible, says a stoked Daniel, who was blown away by the genorisity that was bestowed on him.

Apart from mates, family and others in South Africa, benefactors included other photographers, homesick Saffas overseas, and foreigners who just love his work. That is the power of social media, and 21,500 followers on Instagram!

Well done Daniel, although I think you might need a better quality drone. Maybe one that doesn't run out of juice out in the ocean? I am sure your fans would agree :)

SLAB DUNKED: Some spots will cause problems if you run out of battery power. Photo Grebe

Here are the donations to give a shoutout to all those who helped

Apr 14, 2018 - R 514.10
"Hope to see you out up in the sky sooooooooooooon.........!!!!!" - Billy Oupa Ackerman

Apr 14, 2018 - R 154.23
"From one brother to another who knows what it’s like to lose his camera gear!" - Kerri & Cheyne

Apr 13, 2018 - USD $ 8.73
"You are very talented. I enjoy following you on IG." - Elmarié Coetzee

Apr 13, 2018 - USD $ 17.45
"Love your pictures - and want to support you! Alex" - Alex WEBER - Beach Paradise Holiday Home

Apr 13, 2018 - R 205.64
"Good luck and keep taking great images." - Tai Chesselet

Apr 13, 2018 - R 110.00
"I simply love your photography. Wish i could give more though. God Bless" - Nadia

Apr 13, 2018 - USD $ 15.00
"Penny in the hat! Keep going, Daniel!!" - George Hugo

Apr 13, 2018 - R 205.64
"Great photography! " - Gillian

Apr 12, 2018 - USD $ 16.75
"Get back out there man!" - Rob Hope

Apr 12, 2018 - R 205.64
"Keep taking awesome pics" - Mark Russell

Apr 12, 2018 - USD $ 10.63
"Keep it up, bruh. You're getting a new drone soon. ;)" - ayazay

Apr 12, 2018 - USD $ 17.62
"Love your work...!" - Alex

Apr 12, 2018 - R 601.04
"Lots of love from the Renders. Hope your flying again soon. " - Shelby and Andrea

Apr 12, 2018 - USD $ 16.75
"Keep up the amazing work Dan" - Patrick

Apr 12, 2018 - R 342.47
"Good luck! " - Keren

Apr 12, 2018 - R 205.64
"Every bit helps... Love your work Bro!" - Kenneth Anderson

Apr 12, 2018 - R 205.64
"Hoping you will be flying again soon" - Flicky

Apr 12, 2018 - USD $ 44.04
"Awesome photo's!!! Keep 'em going!" - Georg Lerm

Apr 12, 2018 - R 102.82
"I hope my little bit helps. Got to back a talent like yours Daniel. " - Mel

Apr 12, 2018 - R 3 084.60
"Your photos remind me of home, whenever I am homesick I can look at your photos and i remember what's waiting for me. " - Bruce Skjolde

Apr 12, 2018 - R 1 028.20
"Dude, I love your work! Hope you're up and taking beautiful pics soon! " - Trizanne Barnard

Apr 12, 2018 - R 102.82
"So sorry Dan! All the best x" - Kirsten

Apr 12, 2018 - USD $ 8.37
"I absolutely love your photos!! Really hope you'll be able to get your drone soon so you can keep up the good work. Good luck" - Sam

Apr 12, 2018 - R 1 000.00
"Good luck getting back in the sky. " - Drew Render