Fatal drownings in St Lucia and Port Edward

Fatal drownings in St Lucia and Port Edward

ST LUCIA:

At 13h51, Sunday, 11 December, NSRI St Lucia duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Jabula Beach.

NSRI rescue swimmers responded and our NSRI rescue craft jetrib was towed to the scene. KZN Wildlife Parks rangers were on the scene and the NSRI rescue craft jetrib was launched.

During a search a 21 year old male was located in the mid break surf line in heavy surf conditions.

NSRI rescue swimmers launched into the surf, with an NSRI pink rescue buoy, and an NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed into the surf from the NSRI rescue craft.

Together they were able to rescue the casualty to the beach where extensive CPR efforts were commenced.

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

The SA Police Services took the deceased man into their care and the body of the man was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

PORT EDWARD:

At 14h37, Wednesday, 14 December, NSRI Port Edward duty crew were activated following reports of a mass drowning in progress at Glenmore Beach.

The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 7 was launched while our NSRI rescue vehicle, SA Police Services and Netcare 911 ambulance services responded.

On arrival on the scene it was determined that 5 Good Samaritans had rescued an 11 year old male child and his 38 year old father from the surf.

The Good Samaritans had initiated Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation efforts on the father.

Sadly paramedics declared the patient deceased.

Medical treatment continued on the 11 year old child who was transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition by Netcare 911 ambulance.

The child is expected to make a full recovery.

It appears that the child's father had launched into the water to assist his son who was caught in rip currents.

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

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased.