Fatal drowning at Herolds Bay

Mike Vonk, NSRI Herolds Bay deputy station commander, said:At 14h52, Saturday, 12 June, NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Herolds Bay where a man was caught in strong rip currents while swimming.The sea rescue craft Oscars Rescue was launched.Our NSRI sea rescue vehicle, WC Government Health EMS, ER24 ambulance services, George Fire and Rescue Services and the SA Police Services responded.While responding to the scene we were informed that an NSRI Herolds Bay volunteer and a bystander had paddled out to the man on surfboards and on the NSRI sea rescue craft arriving on the scene we found the NSRI Herolds Bay volunteer had the casualty man on his surfboard and was keeping him afloat.The casualty, a local man, aged 22, was rescued onto our sea rescue craft and he was brought to shore where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced by NSRI medics, paramedics and 3 doctors, who were on the beach at the time and who assisted with CPR.Despite extensive efforts to resuscitate the man sadly he was declared deceased.The body of the man was taken into the care of WC Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket.Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.