NSRI's heroic rescue efforts in Western Cape: Two lives tragically lost
National Sea Rescue Institute rescue crews on board an NSRI rescue craft during a maritime response along the Western Cape coast.
Image: Supplied/ NSRI
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to several incidents across the Western Cape between Thursday and Friday, including water rescues, boating emergencies and two fatal incidents.
At Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay, NSRI crews were activated on Friday evening after reports of a drowning in progress. Andre Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay operations controller, said: “At 19h29, Friday, 19 December, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Diaz Beach, Mossel Bay.”
On arrival, a 30-year-old woman from Kimberley and a 12-year-old boy from Bloemhof had already been rescued from the water by bystanders. “Both patients were being assisted on the beach by bystanders – they were both suffering non fatal drowning symptoms,” Fraser said. Both were treated by NSRI medics and paramedics and transported to hospital, “the female in a serious but stable condition and the male in a stable condition.” Bystanders were commended for their efforts.
Earlier that day, at 17h27, NSRI Mossel Bay assisted a nine-metre catamaran experiencing mechanical steering failure close offshore of Mossel Bay Harbour. The NSRI craft St Blaize Rescuer guided the vessel safely to a floating jetty without incident.
In Stilbaai, NSRI crews responded to a boating accident on the Goukou River on Friday afternoon. Stéfan Grové, NSRI Stilbaai station commander, said: “At 14h21, Friday, December 19, NSRI Stilbaai duty crew were activated following reports of a boating accident up river on the Goukou River, Stilbaai, Western Cape.”
He added that a couple from Centurion may have been ejected from their boat, with the vessel reportedly colliding with the woman in the water. The 27-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital, where she remains in a serious but stable condition.
Two fatal incidents were also reported. In Nature’s Valley, NSRI Plettenberg Bay deputy station commander Ross Badenhorst said a 16-year-old boy from Cape Town was recovered from a sea cave after falling from a cliff while hiking. Despite extensive rescue efforts, the teenager was declared deceased and police opened an inquest.
In Hermanus, NSRI crews recovered the body of a man believed to be 27 years old after reports that he had been swept off rocks by waves near Schulphoek. Paramedics declared him deceased and police have opened an inquest.
The NSRI conveyed condolences to the families and friends of those who died.
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Cape Argus