Fatal drowning at the Gouka River Mouth, Still Bay

George Sabbagha, NSRI Still Bay deputy station commander, said:On Saturday morning, at 09h50, 09th December, NSRI Still Bay duty crew were activated following reports from the SA Police Services of a drowning in progress at the Gouka River Mouth, Still Bay.NSRI Still Bay, the SA Police Services and WC Government Health EMS responded to join Municipal lifeguards on the scene.On arrival on the scene lifeguards had rescued a 39 year old man, from Riversdale, on a church outing, who had gotten into difficulty while reportedly trying to swim across the river mouth, and bringing the man to shore lifeguards had initiated CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts on the man.CPR efforts were joined by our NSRI medics who used an AED defibrillator during CPR efforts and EMS paramedics joined in with CPR efforts but sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, he was declared deceased.The body of the man has been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket.Condolences are conveyed to family and friends.TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE