Cape Town - Following much uncertainty about the extent of the damage suffered by Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge in Cape Town after a raging fire 'engulfed' it early on Monday morning, a spokesperson for the NSRI has confirmed that it has been destroyed.
In an interview with eNCA, Brad Geyser from the NSRI said that the lodge had been "burned to the ground."
Tintswalo managing director Michelle du Plessis told Traveller24 that no one has been able to access the property by land since evacuation early on Monday morning, as there are still flames and smouldering in various sections.
The NSRI has been able to monitor the situation during patrols along the coastline, however. Du Plessis added that as far as they could tell at the moment at least 60% or 70% of the property has been destroyed.
"Initially we’ve been trying to handle current bookings in easiest manner possible, but foresee that the property will be closed for several months," she said.
Read: Tintswalo Atlantic guests to be relocated following fire
Guests who have made bookings will be given the choice of a refund or a relocation to alternate accommodation close by.
Emergency procedures were put into place at the property around 01:15 on Monday morning, which included turning on sprinklers, preparing hoses, fire equipment and notifying the fire department. A unified decision was made to evacuate guests shortly after, while staff stayed put till the very last.
The NSRI were on standby just offshore, in the event of any staff being unable to evacuate on land.
According to a press release sent out by the property, local guests went home and others were taken to Cape Town properties nearby. Management thanked all involved for their "truly Capetonian spirit of community."
“The Tintswalo team, reservations and management are doing everything possible to ensure all future guests are accommodated moving forward with bookings. We are currently focusing on our guests for the next 2 weeks and will redirect Tintswalo Atlantic guests to local properties as everyone continues to work together in support of Tintswalo Atlantic,” Du Plessis said in a press release.