Update:
It was reported by the NSRI that the paragliding accident occurred off the coast of Sea Point on Monday, 3 July, and resulted in the loss of life.
At approximately 4:28pm, NSRI Bakoven and NSRI Table Bay received distress calls regarding a tandem paraglider accident opposite Sea Point High School, prompting an immediate response from various emergency services.
According to preliminary reports, it appears that two tandem paragliders collided in the air above the Sea Point Promenade. One of the paragliders managed to land safely and both the pilot and passenger emerged unharmed.
However, the second tandem paraglider activated a reserve parachute and landed in the surf, approximately 200 to 300 metres off-shore.
Rescue teams from NSRI Bakoven and NSRI Table Bay, along with NSRI rescue swimmers, SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS rescue squad, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, Netcare 911 ambulance services and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, swiftly joined the scene.
Upon arrival, the adult male pilot of the tandem paraglider, who had deployed the reserve parachute, was found safely on the shore. He received medical attention for minor injuries.
Tragically, the tandem passenger, a 58-year-old Irish man, was discovered on rocks in the water off-shore of the Sea Point Promenade.
Dedicated NSRI rescue swimmers and paramedics reached the man and promptly initiated rescue operations. They freed him from the paragliding gear and brought him onto the rocks, where CPR efforts were immediately undertaken. Despite the extensive and valiant attempts to revive him, the paramedics sadly had to declare him deceased.
The body of the deceased was taken into the care of the Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
As is standard protocol in such cases, an Inquest docket has been opened by the Police to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time.
A paragliding incident unfolded near the Winchester Hotel in Sea Point, causing a paraglider to crash into the ocean. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) swiftly activated its rescue operation to assist the individual involved.
First responders from the NSRI have sprung into action upon receiving the distress call. The incident occurred off Rocklands Beach in Sea Point and the NSRI’s highly trained team has wasted no time in launching a rescue mission to retrieve the paraglider from the water.
Details about the circumstances leading to the crash, as well as the state of the paraglider, are yet to be disclosed.
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Picture: Supplied
