The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded to a distress call at approximately 10am on Tuesday, 11 April about a drowning in progress at Fransmanshoek, Vlees Baai, prompting the activation of the NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew.
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The NSRI Mossel Bay rescue swimmers were dispatched to the scene, accompanied by the NSRI rescue craft St Blaise Rescuer, which had been launched on site.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that a father and his 16-year-old son had been swept into the sea while fishing off rocks from the shoreline.
A sea and shoreline search commenced immediately for the father and son, who were missing at sea. The SA Police Services, Police Sea Borderline Control, and WC Government Health EMS also responded to the scene to assist in the search and rescue mission.
The father was eventually located coming out of the water along the shoreline and was taken into the care of NSRI and the police while the search for the teenager continued.
Tragically, during the ongoing search, the 16-year-old was found in the water in a gulley close inshore. Despite efforts to revive him, paramedics declared him deceased.
The body of the teenager has since been taken into the care of police and government health Forensic Pathology Services, and an inquest docket has been opened by the police.
The Germiston family, who were due to return home from a holiday on Wednesday, are now being cared for by counsellors. The deceased’s father, mother and two brothers are devastated by the loss of their loved one.
Our sincerest condolences go out to the family of the deceased.
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Picture: National Sea Rescue Institue