Hermanus – Fatal drowning

NSRI Hermanus duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of 2 person's, appearing to be lifeless, floating in the water near to the Old Harbour, Hermanus.

Andre Barnard, NSRI Hermanus station commander, said:

The sea rescue craft Rotarian Burnett was launched, NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI rescue vehicle and St Johns ambulance services responded directly to the scene. WC Government Health EMS were activated.

While responding additional calls were being received of 2 females washed off the old harbour wall by waves at the Hermanus Old Harbour.

On arrival on the scene, just off-shore of the Hermanus Old Harbour, 2 adult females were located and recovered onto the NSRI rescue craft.

CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced.

They were brought to the NSRI rescue station where CPR was continued by paramedics.

Sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the 2 females were exhausted, they were declared deceased by paramedics.

The SA Police Services were activated and an inquest docket has been opened.

The bodies of the 2 sister's, aged 60 and 62, from Ceres, have been taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased.