A man drowned on Christmas Day after getting into unexpected trouble in the surf at Seal Point in Cape St Francis.

According to Sara Jane Smith, NSRI St Francis Bay station commander, at 4.20pm NSRI St Francis Bay duty crew were activated following multiple calls about a surfer appearing to be in difficulty at Seal Point.

The NSRI rescue crew, an NSRI duty doctor, Private Care ambulance Services, EC Government Health EMS, Kouga Municipal Lifesaving lifeguards and the SA Police Services responded to the call for assistance.

When they arrived they discovered a local surfer washed up on the rocks. A group of young surfers spotted him on the rocks and brought him to shore. Despite CPR efforts and help from a private doctor on the scene, as well as NSRI rescuers, the man was declared deceased.

“The body of the man has been taken into the care of the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an inquest docket.

“Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased man,” said Smith.

NSRI commended the young surfers who bravely brought the man to shore, the lifeguards for their assistance on the scene and doctors, paramedics and all involved for their efforts.

 

Picture: Pixabay

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Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.