A visit to Camps Bay Tidal Pool ended in tragedy on Monday, 23 December, after a drowning incident resulted in the death of a 13-year-old girl and the hospitalisation of another 12-year-old girl, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the NSRI Bakoven duty crew and City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) water rescue network were activated at 3:52pm following reports of CPR efforts in progress from City lifeguards at the scene.
‘CoCT lifeguards had recovered the two girls from the water and, finding them unresponsive, the lifeguards commenced CPR while the alarm was raised,’ reported NSRI.
According to reports, the two girls were part of a group of children from Khayelitsha who had visited the Camps Bay Tidal Pool with carers. The children were swimming in the tidal pool when the two girls were discovered to be floating in the water, unresponsive.
‘NSRI Bakoven crew were stood down while responding after it was confirmed by on-scene commanders that emergency medical services were on the scene, with authorities assisting the City lifeguards, and that enough resources were deployed in attendance on the scene.’
NSRI added that City law enforcement officers arrived on scene to assist the lifeguards, who were able to restore cardiovascular circulation to both children.
Paramedics also arrived on scene to assist with the extensive resuscitation efforts and medical treatment alongside the WCG Health EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, which landed on a nearby soccer field.
‘The 12-year-old child was transported to hospital by Netcare 911 ambulance in a serious but stable condition, while the 13-year-old was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition,’ said NSRI.
‘Despite extensive efforts in hospital to save the life of the 13-year-old, sadly, she was declared deceased during the night. The 12-year-old girl is recovering in hospital,’ the organisation confirmed.
Our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the deceased, and our thoughts and care are with the loved ones of the girl recovering in hospital.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images
