CORRECTED STATMENT:
At 14h26, Thursday, 08th December, NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew were activated following reports of persons in difficulty in the surf at Strand Main Beach. The SA Police Services, a Police Dive Unit, Gordons Bay Security ambulance services, ER24 ambulance services and Law Enforcement responded and NSRI launched the sea rescue craft Serendipity and a sea rescue vehicle and NSRI rescue swimmers were dispatched.Strand Surf Lifesaving lifeguards on duty at Strand Beach had also responded to investigate.On arrival on the scene two young women, aged 21 and 14, believed to be from Eerste River, were found on the beach deceased. It is believed they are both victims of fatal drowning after reportedly a member of the public rescued both women out of the water.The bodies of both womens were taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket.While emergency services were on the beach reports were received of a person appearing to be in difficulty in the water approximately 100 meters further down the beach front.Lifeguards had noticed a commotion further down the beach and they had responded to investigate.On arrival on the scene it was discovered that an off-duty lifeguard had assisted a 16 year old girl from the water and lifeguards and paramedics treated her on the beach (she is believed to have suffered breathing difficulties from Asthma while swimming). She was declared to be in a satisfactory condition following lifeguards and paramedics medical assistance and she was released requiring no further assistance. While emergency services remained on the scene the sister of one of the deceased arrived at the beach and she is in the care of Police trauma counsellors.According to the sister she had arrived at the beach earlier in the day in her own car with her sister and with a female friend. Sadly both the sister and the friend are the victims of the fatal drowning accident.Our thoughts are with their families.

Picture Source: www.capeplace2stay.co.za
TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE