SEA RESCUE – Incidents at Witsand and on the KZN North Coast

NSRI Witsand duty crew were activated following reports of a suspected drowning in progress at Witsand Main beach. Additionally, NSRI Ballito duty crew, Kwadakuza lifeguards, IPSS Medical and Rescue, SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue and Metro Police search and Rescue responded to Blythedale Beach following reports of a drowning in progress.

WITSAND:

Thys Carstens, NSRI Witsand coxswain, said:

NSRI crew responded.

On arrival on the scene we found a 73 year old male, from Heidelberg, had been rescued from the water by bystanders after he had been found floating lifeless in the water.

NSRI medics and a local doctor commenced with CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts but sadly the man was declared deceased.

The SA Police Services were activated.

Although it is suspected that the man may have suffered a medical condition Police have opened an inquest docket.

The body of the man was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

KZN NORTH COAST:

Quentin Power, NSRI Ballito station commander, said:

On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a 17 year old male who had reportedly gone missing in the surf zone after being swept out to sea by rip currents.

NSRI rescue swimmers and Kwadakuza lifeguards conducted free dive search efforts.

Despite an extensive search there remained no sign of the teenager.

A search resumed at first light where Kwadakuza lifeguards, Police K9 Search and Rescue and NSRI Ballito crew, assisted by our NSRI rescue craft Freemasons Way and by a Badul Air helicopter searched extensively.

Debris expelled into the ocean from flooding of the Umvoti River hampered search efforts.

There remains no sign of the teenager and Police K9 Search and Rescue will continue in ongoing search efforts.

Thoughts are with the family of the missing teenager in this difficult time.