Mossel Bay – Man deceased after boat capsizes

NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of a boat capsized in the surf at Tergniet (near to Klein Brak).

Andre Fraser, NSRI Mossel Bay station commander, said:

The sea rescue craft St Blaize Rescuer was launched while NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene in their private vehicles and our NSRI rescue vehicle, the SA Police Services and By Grace ambulance services responded.

On arrival on the scene an NSRI rescue swimmer launched into the water.

He found 2 public members, believed to be a father and daughter, had launched into the surf and they were assisting a female casualty. They appeared to be making good progress and the 2 Good Samaritans brought a 37 year old female safely to the shore where they were met by additional NSRI and emergency services and the casualty was treated for injuries by paramedics.

Our NSRI rescue swimmer reached a man in the water finding him to be unresponsive. Our rescue swimmer was able to bring the man towards rocks where additional NSRI members and paramedics assisted the man onto the shore where CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced.

After all efforts to resuscitate the 49 year old man were exhausted he was sadly declared deceased.

It was determined that only the husband and wife had been on the boat when it capsized. They are from Riebeeckstad, Welkom, in the Free State.

The female was transported to hospital by By Grace ambulance for medical care for injuries and she has been released from hospital.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

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

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

The casualty boat washed ashore where NSRI members, assisted by Meyer Towing and Recovery, recovered the boat.

The bystanders who assisted on the scene are commended.