Fatal drowning during a school trip in Richards Bay

A school excursion to the beach ended in tragedy after a learner drowned.

At 17h25, Thursday, 23 November, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Bay Hall.

NSRI Richards Bay rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, Police Sea Borderline Control, Police Search and Rescue and Medcare 24 EMS responded.

On arrival on the scene it was found that a teenager had been rescued from the water and was not injured and a female child (age 12 ) was missing in the water.

An NSRI rescue swimmer and a Police diver free dive searched.

A TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port helicopter conducted an aerial search.

During free dive search efforts the body of the child was located under water and recovered.

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

Police have opened an inquest docket.

It appears that the incident occurred during an an inland school excursion to the coast when they were attending a beach day.

Learners and their carers are being supported by Police.

Condolences are conveyed to the family and the friends of the deceased child.

We are appealing to schools visiting coastal and inland waterways to have a safety plan in place to keep learners safe.