Tragic Loss at Sea: Fisherman Dies Off Hout Bay Despite Rescue Efforts

Spencer Oldham, NSRI Hout Bay station commander, said: At 11h10, Sunday, 19 October, NSRI Hout Bay duty crew were activated following an urgent request for assistance from a local fishing vessel 35 nautical miles South West of Hout Bay reporting a fisherman onboard critically injured during fishing operations onboard.

NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), Telkom Maritime Radio Services, TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) Port of Table Bay Port Control, NSRI Hout Bay duty controllers and WC Government Health EMS Metro Control, assisted MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) in the coordination of the rescue operation.

The NSRI craft Nadine Gordimer and Albie Matthews were launched, accompanied by an NSRI crew paramedic, from Life Healthcare Response Paramedics, and 2 WC Government Health EMS rescue paramedic.

On arrival on the scene in heavy, rough, sea conditions, the paramedics and NSRI crew boarded the fishing vessel where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced on the adult male fisherman - with the vessel being escorted towards Hout Bay.

A SAAF (South African Air Force) AFB (Air Force Base) Ysterplaat, Squadron 22, Lynx helicopter, with NSRI ASR (Airborne Sea Rescue) crew and an EMS rescue paramedic, was prepared to respond to assist.

Sadly, despite extensive CPR efforts, after all efforts to resuscitate the fisherman were exhausted, he was declared deceased by paramedics.

The body of the man, age 47, from Mossel Bay, was brought, onboard the fishing vessel, to Hout Bay Harbour where they were met by the SA Police Services and the body was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Condolences are conveyed to family, friends and colleagues of the deceased man.