Cape Town - When an 8-year-old autistic boy fled in fear of unleashed dogs along Melkbosstrand Beach, local fishermen became his unlikely heroes.
Their quick thinking and understanding approach not only saved the day but also showcased the power of community and autism awareness.
Grade R learner, Lucas Kannemeyer, was at the beach with his parents on Sunday, when he got spooked by two Scottish terriers and took off running along the coast.
He ended up covering nearly 5kms from Eerste Steen to Melkbosstrand, feeling lost and scared.
Fortunately, the local fishermen were close by and noticed the distressed young boy.
Renato Carrico, one of the fishermen from the Nite Owl Angling group who helped, said they received a message about a boy who had run away.
He recalled seeing the boy wearing a Springbok t-shirt that matched the description of the missing child.
“I saw this little boy, and he had this Springbok t-shirt on. I told my wife, ‘Isn’t that the boy from the post on the group?
“I got out and approached the boy, he looked tired of running all that distance,” he said.
Understanding the boy’s needs, Carrico and two other fishermen created a soothing atmosphere around him.
“It was difficult with the little boy because he doesn’t talk.
“Eventually I got him to calm down because he was anxious of all that running,” Carrico said.
“We showed him the fishing rod to try and distract him.
“I have got family that has kids with autism, so I have dealt with kids before. You can’t just approach them; you have to be calm and help them to calm down.
“They are very intelligent in their own way,” Carrico said.
Eventually, the boy was reunited with his parents after Roderick Elliott, who leads the fishing group, sent a message to the mother about her son’s safety and whereabouts.
Lente Kannemeyer expressed her gratitude, saying they are thankful that the fisherman who found her son, understood the situation.
“He managed to keep my son entertained while we were driving to Melkbosstrand to be reunited as a family. We are thankful that there are caring people out there like them.
“People with autism are easily threatened, so he could have started running again.
“Thankfully, the fisherman was a friendly person with a kind heart.”
Kannemeyer further emphasised how crucial it is to stick to the “no dogs” rule at the beaches.
“The dogs were off leash and territorial in a nature reserve where dogs are not allowed at all,” she said.
Cape Argus