Jerome Simonis, NSRI Knysna station commander, said:
At 14h56, Wednesday, 17th January, NSRI Knysna duty crew were activated following reports from the SA Police Services (SAPS) of a drowning in progress at The Point, Knysna Lagoon.
NSRI Knysna rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene and the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS, a Police Dive Unit, Community Police Forum and Knysna Fire and Rescue Services responded.
It appears that a man, in the company of family, had jumped into the water. Apparently he was unable to swim and it is suspected that the man may have believed the water depth to be shallow.
On arrival on the scene NSRI rescue swimmers deployed into the lagoon to free dive search for a 24 year local man. His family, on the scene, reported him to be missing under water.
During a free dive search our NSRI rescue swimmers located the body of the man and a Police diver was deployed into the water to assist NSRI in the recovery of the body. Sadly paramedics have declared the man deceased.
Police have opened an inquest docket. The body of the man has been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.
Family are being assisted by trauma counsellors. Condolences are conveyed to family and friends.
TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE
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