Fisherman rescued - MOSSEL BAY

Johan Ehlers, NSRI Mossel Bay duty coxswain, said: At 22h17, Tuesday, 21 May, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a suspected drowning in progress at Beacon Wharf, Mossel Bay - near to Mossel Bay harbour.

Our NSRI rescue vehicle and NSRI rescue swimmers, in their private vehicles, By Grace ambulance services the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS - rescue squad and ambulance - and Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Services responded.

It was reported from eyewitnesses that shouts for help were coming from the area in the surf zone at Beacon Wharf.

Police Sea Borderline Control, SAPS WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) and Mossel Bay harbour Port Control were placed on alert.

On arrival on the scene paramedics attended to a man who was found in shallow surf near to rocks at Beacon Wharf.

It appears that the local adult man may have slipped on rocks, while fishing, when incoming waves swept him into a channel in between rocks.

NSRI rescue swimmers assisted paramedics to extricate the man from the rocks, secured onto a scoop stretcher.

The man, in a serious condition, with injuries and hypothermia, was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance, in a serious but stable condition, where he is recovering in the care of doctors and hospital staff.

The eyewitnesses are commended for raising the alarm and the swift response by all involved is commended.