NSRI Port Alfred Responds to Drowning Emergency at Kariega River Mouth

NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress in the Kariega River Mouth, Kenton-On-Sea.

NSRI Port Alfred rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, EC Government Health EMS, Hi-Tec Security Services and Gardmed ambulance services responded.

The NSRI craft, Spirit of Kenton, was launched at the Kariega River slipway and commenced with a search in the Kariega River Mouth. The search continued upriver with the incoming tide. Two NSRI rescue vehicles, NSRI crew, Police and emergency services searched the shoreline of Kenton Middle Beach, Kenton Main beach and the Kariega River banks.

An adult male was located a short distance from the river mouth and he was recovered from the water, unresponsive, onto our rescue craft where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced. He was brought to shore and taken into the care of Gardmed paramedics.

After paramedics exhausted CPR efforts sadly the man was declared deceased.

The search continued for one local man but despite the extensive shoreline and water search there remains no sign of that man who is missing.

It appears that while 2 men were at the Kariega River Mouth, one man got into difficulty in the water. His friend got into difficulties while trying to assist him.

SAPS WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) are continuing in an ongoing search.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

An Inquest docket has been opened by Police.

Thoughts are with the family of the missing man in this difficult time.