Cape St Francis – Fatality:

Sara Jane Smith, NSRI St Francis Bay station commander, said:At 16h20, Wednesday, 25th December, NSRI St Francis Bay duty crew were activated following multiple calls received of a surfer appearing to be in difficulty at Seal Point, Cape St Francis.NSRI rescue crew, an NSRI duty doctor, Private Care ambulance Services, EC Government Health EMS, Kouga Municipal Lifesaving lifeguards and the SA Police Services responded.On arrival on the scene it was found that a local man, a regular surfer in the area, had washed onto rocks after appearing to be in difficulty in the surf from unknown causes and a group of local young surfers had rescued the man from the rocks and had him on the shore and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced and were joined by a private doctor, who happened to be there at the time, our NSRI duty doctor, NSRI medics, lifeguards and paramedics.Sadly, despite extensive CPR efforts, after all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, he has been declared deceased.The body of the man has been taken into the care of the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.Police have opened an inquest docket.On behalf of all emergency services involved Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased man.NSRI commend the young surfers who rescued the man to the shore, the lifeguards for their assistance on the scene and the doctors, paramedics and all involved for their efforts.