Fatal drowning in Vleesbaai near Mossel Bay

At 10h08, Tuesday, 11 April, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Fransmanshoek, Vlees Baai.

NSRI Mossel Bay rescue swimmers were dispatched to respond directly to the scene while the NSRI rescue craft St Blaise Rescuer was launched.

Our NSRI rescue vehicle towed the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 15 Bravo to the scene which was launched on-site.

The SA Police Services, Police Sea Borderline Control and WC Government Health EMS responded.

It was determined that a father, age 47, and his son, age 16, had been swept into the sea off rocks from the shoreline while fishing.

On arrival on the scene a sea and shoreline search commenced for the father and son who were missing at sea.

During the search the father was located coming out of the water along the shoreline and he was taken into the care of NSRI and Police while a search continued for the teenager.

The father was not injured.

During the ongoing search the teenager was located in the water in a gulley close inshore and he was recovered from the water but sadly he was declared deceased by paramedics.

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

An inquest docket has been opened by Police.

The Germiston family were due to return home from a holiday on Wednesday. The father, mother and the 2 brothers of the deceased are being cared for by counsellors.

Condolences are conveyed to the family.