Update: The woman who was swept off the rocks in Sea Point yesterday, 4 July 2023, passed away in a hospital during the early hours of this morning, surrounded by her loved ones.
The hospital staff managed to locate her family, aided by a necklace she was wearing when she arrived at the hospital with the paramedics.
The relentless efforts of the hospital staff throughout the night in their attempts to save her are commendable, and the family has expressed gratitude towards all the emergency services involved in the rescue operation.
One woman is in critical condition after she was reportedly swept off the rocks by waves in Sea Point this afternoon.
Also read: Emergency rescue services working to locate drowning victim in Sea Point
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Bakoven and Table Bay rescue swimmers, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, SAPS, Western Cape EMS teams and Netcare 911 ambulance responded directly to the scene.
‘It appears that the female was walking on rocks on the shoreline when it appeared that she may have been swept into the ocean by a wave,’ says Paula Leech, NSRI Table Bay duty controller. IOL reports that passersby saw the body of the woman drifting about 200m off-shore.
City of Cape Town law enforcement officers were alerted around 2pm. ‘Upon arrival on the scene, [the] sight of an adult female was seen drifting approximately 200m off-shore, but [the] sight of the female was lost in misty conditions with a heavy sea swell running. A Sport Helicopters helicopter, returning to the V&A Waterfront, diverted to provide an aerial situation report.
‘Upon the NSRI rescue craft arriving on the scene, a sweeping line search commenced and during the sea search, approximately 500m off-shore in rough seas, the female was located and recovered lifeless from the water onto the NSRI rescue craft.’
Leech adds that CPR efforts were conducted onboard the rescue craft, which responded to a Granger Bay Water Club jetty. After this, paramedics continued CPR at the Water Club.
‘The unidentified female was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a critical condition where doctors and nurses are continuing with ongoing medical care in efforts to save her life.’
She says beachgoers need to take heed of the full moon spring tide, which causes higher-than-normal high tides and lower-than-normal low tides. ‘During winter months storm sea conditions can increase shoreline risks during the full moon and new moon Spring tides. This full moon spring will last into the next few days.’
Anyone with information, who can assist in identifying the woman, can contact NSRI Communications on 082 380 3800.
Also read:
Paraglider crashes into ocean near Winchester Hotel in Sea Point
Picture: Screenshot / Google Earth