Gqeberha – Fatal drowning:

NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Willows Grove Resort tidal pool. NSRI Gqeberha rescue swimmers, Coastal Water Rescue, SA Police Services, EC Government Health EMS and Gardmed ambulance services responded.

Jonathan Tufts, NSRI Gqeberha deputy station commander, said:

On arrival on the scene rescue swimmers entered the water to search for a missing 18 year old male matric learner reported to be missing in the tidal pool.

We believe that another 2 casualties, fellow learners of a school outing, had managed to exit the water and they were not injured.

Locals from the resort were assisting in a search.

NSRI and Coastal Water Rescue rescue swimmers conducted sweeping line free dive search efforts.

During a search the body of the teenager was located and recovered from the water.

CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced by paramedics.

After all efforts to resuscitate the teenager were exhausted sadly he was declared deceased.

The body of the teenager was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to family of the deceased teenager.