Two tragic drownings occurred in South Africa on Boxing Day, leaving one family devastated and another grateful for a fisherman’s quick thinking.
A 36-year-old man from Fish Hoek was declared dead after a jump from the rocks at Jager’s Walk. At 3:21 PM, lifeguards at Fish Hoek Beach responded to a report of a man who had disappeared underwater after jumping. Lifeguards quickly recovered the man and began CPR. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services, including CMR paramedics, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue Services, and the South African Police Services (SAPS), arrived shortly after. However, all attempts to resuscitate the man were unsuccessful. The body was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services, and an inquest was opened. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
In a separate incident at Kabeljous River Mouth in Jeffreys Bay, another tragic drowning claimed the life of a 19-year-old local teen. At 10:07 AM, NSRI Jeffreys Bay was alerted to a drowning in progress. Two NSRI rescue craft and rescue swimmers were dispatched, along with Relay EMS and local law enforcement.
A fisherman, angling from the shoreline, saved a 13-year-old boy who had been caught in a rip current. The fisherman used his fishing line to reel the boy in, pulling him to safety. Paramedics treated the survivor for hypothermia and non-fatal drowning symptoms, and he is recovering in the hospital.
Sadly, the second teenager, a 19-year-old, was still missing. After a search, his body was found in the water by NSRI rescue swimmers, who quickly brought him to shore. Despite their efforts, the teenager was declared dead by paramedics. Police have also opened an inquest into this incident.
Eyewitnesses reported that the teenagers had been wading in shallow surf when they were caught by rip currents. While one teen managed to self-rescue, the other two struggled in the water. The swift actions of the fisherman saved one life, but sadly, it was too late for the second teen.
The local angler who used his fishing line to rescue the 13-year-old is being commended for his heroism. Our deepest condolences are extended to the family of the deceased teenager.
Both incidents serve as sobering reminders of the dangers of the sea and the importance of water safety. The NSRI encourages everyone to stay vigilant and take care when near the ocean, especially in areas known for strong currents.
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Picture: National Sea Rescue Institute
