Fatal drowning in Hermanus

On Tuesday, 21 March, at 17h20, NSRI Hermanus duty crew and the SA Police Services were activated following eye-witness reports of 3 men swept by waves into the surf off rocks on the shoreline in front of the Windsor Hotel, central Hermanus.

NSRI Rescue swimmers and the SA Police Services responded directly to the scene.

The NSRI rescue craft Rescue 17 Bravo was launched.

WC Government Health EMS were activated.

On arrival on the scene it was found the 2 men had managed to reach the shore and were safely out of the water.

A search commenced for a missing man.

Shortly into the search the man was located and recovered from the surf onto the NSRI rescue craft.

He was brought to the NSRI Hermanus rescue station where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced by NSRI medics and an NSRI paramedic. They were joined by WC Government Health EMS paramedics.

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

The 2 survivors were transported to hospital by EMS ambulance for treatment for injuries they had sustained.

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

All 3 adult males are believed to be Zimbabweans.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.