Body of an unidentified man recovered in Plettenberg Bay

The body of an unidentified man, sadly deceased, was recovered from the surf zone. The circumstances remain unclear, and the police are investigating. Police have opened an inquest docket.

At 13h33, Tuesday, 18 March, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following reports of lifeguards on the scene at a body in the water at Lookout Rocks, in the vicinity of Whale Tail, Plettenberg Bay.

Fishermen angling from the shoreline had reached Bitou shark spotters nearby reporting witnessing a man floating face down in the water.

It appears that the man had been witnessed going into the water from the rocks from undetermined circumstances.

Shark spotters alerted Bitou Municipal lifeguards.
Lifeguards and Bitou Beach Control responded and on arriving on the scene requested the assistance of NSRI Plettenberg Bay.

NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew responded to the NSRI Plettenberg Bay station 14 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Ray Farnham Rescuer was launched.

The SA Police Services and WC Government Health EMS were activated and responded.

On arrival on the scene NSRI found Bitou lifeguards in attendance in the surf zone. They had secured the body of the man that was then recovered from the water onto the NSRI rescue craft. Sadly the man was found to be deceased.

The body of the man was brought to the NSRI rescue base where EMS paramedics attended and the body of the man was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Anyone that can help to assist Police with the identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding this incident can call Plettenberg Bay Police Station 044 5011900.

The local anglers that swiftly raised the alarm with Bitou Municipal shark spotters and the swift response and cooperation of all involved is commended.