In a heartbreaking incident on Thursday, 1 January, the tranquil shores of Langebaan Main beach turned tragic when a 26-year-old man from Burundi was found drowned, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Reports from the scene indicate that the young man was discovered unresponsive in the water by a kite surfer, who heroically attempted to save him.
The alert was raised at approximately 5:02pm, prompting an emergency response from various organisations, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Mykonos, lifeguards, West Coast Medical Rescue, and the South African Police Services.
NSRI Mykonos Station Commander Nic Stevens confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched immediately upon receiving reports of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts already underway at the beach.
Upon arrival, rescuers learned that the 26-year-old had been found lifeless in the water.
The kite-boarder who saved him had dragged the man back to the beach, where a fellow kite-boarder, identified as a doctor from Germany, commenced CPR while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. Despite their best efforts, the paramedics faced overwhelming challenges in resuscitating the young man.
‘After extensive CPR efforts were exhausted, it is with great sadness that we have to report he was declared deceased,’ stated Stevens.
The body of the deceased has since been entrusted to the authorities, with the South African Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services taking over the case.
An Inquest docket has been initiated, although the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident remain unclear.
Stevens conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, emphasising the grief felt by the local community.
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Picture: West Coast Medical Rescue / Facebook
