Port Alfred – Fatal drowning

NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at West Beach.

Gerrit Cloete, NSRI Port Alfred deputy station commander, said:
In strong rip currents a female was being swept out to sea. We believe she had been swimming and wading in waist deep water at the time while at the beach with friends.

NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene, the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 11 Alpha was launched, SA Police Services, Gardmed ambulance services, Multi Security officers and Municipal officials responded.

On arrival on the scene our NSRI rescue craft was able to reach the female in the surf line in rough sea conditions and on rescuing the female onto our rescue craft CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced and the female was brought to our NSRI Port Alfred rescue station where paramedics continued with extensive CPR efforts.

After all efforts to resuscitate the female were exhausted sadly the 19 year old KZN female, believed to be attending Rhodes University, was declared deceased.

The body of the female has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the deceased.