Boat capsizes, one fatality, three injured

At 13h05 (Tuesday, 24th December) NSRI Hermanus crew were activated following reports of red distress flares being fired from a boat off Schulphoek, Hermanus.We launched Hunters Gold Rescuer and a Sea Rescue vehicle, the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS, EMR private ambulance service and the Overberg Fire and Rescue Services responded.A catamaran ski-boat with 4 people onboard, from Pretoria, had capsized 150 meters off-shore, while they were returning from crayfishing. A member of the public had waded into the surf to secure the body of a 29 year old man for fear that the body, which was floating near to rocks would be swept out to sea, and a 47 year old man, who had stayed with the boat, was rescued by the private boat C Michelle that was nearby at the time, he was transferred onto the sea rescue craft and brought to shore. A 19 year old and a 12 year old boy had managed to swim ashore and they were in the process of recovering themselves from the water onto rocks and they were assisted to get ashore.The 3 survivors have been transported to hospital by ambulance suffering injuries of fractured ribs, lacerations, bruising and shock.The body of the deceased man has been recovered and handed into the care of the Police and the Forensic Pathology Services.It appears that the boat may have been running close to shore when it was capsized in swells.The boat has washed onto rocks.Police have opened an inquest docket.NSRI and the Emergency Services express sincere condolences to the family. Image source: www.schulphoek.co.za