2 deceased in drowning incident on KZN South Coast

Ruahn Beattie, NSRI Shelly Beach deputy station commander, said: At 16h22, Tuesday, 3 October, NSRI Shelly Beach STATION 20 duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress near to Umzumbe Beach, KZN South Coast.

3 persons were reported to be being in difficulty on the North side of Umzumbe Beach.

Simunye Lifeguard Services lifeguards responded from Umzumbe Beach after being alerted by eyewitnesses.

NSRI rescue swimmers and an NSRI rescue craft, SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue and Netcare 911 ambulance services responded to join Simunye lifeguards on the scene.

4 Simunye lifeguards had rescued a female and 2 males from the water from approximately 800 meters to a kilometer off-shore, bringing them to the beach.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts was performed on the 2 men but sadly after all efforts to resuscitate them were exhausted the 2 men were declared deceased.

The female, age 26, was treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms and she was transported to hospital by Netcare 911 ambulance in a stable condition for further care.

The bodies of the 2 deceased men, age 57 and 34, were taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

The family are on a holiday from Sasolburg.

Condolences are conveyed to the families of the deceased.