A weekend beach outing turned tragic in Mossel Bay after two teenagers were caught in rip currents at De Bakke Beach.
NSRI Mossel Bay duty coxswain, Andre Fraser, reports:
At approximately 16:00 on Saturday, 25 April, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at De Bakke Beach.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded immediately, while additional crew launched the rescue craft St Blaise Rescuer from Station 15. Emergency services, including SAPS, ambulance services, and Mossel Bay Fire & Rescue, were also on scene.
A brave Good Samaritan, using a body board, attempted to assist two teenagers—a male and female—caught in rip currents. He managed to reach the unresponsive female, and bring her onto his board. NSRI crews recovered her and brought her ashore, where CPR was initiated.
Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, the 18-year-old local female was sadly declared deceased at the scene.
A large-scale search operation was launched for the missing 15-year-old male, involving:
• NSRI rescue swimmers and rescue craft
• Police divers (WPDS)
• A thermal drone and private drones
• Air, sea, and shoreline search teams
The search continued into the night without success.
On Sunday morning, police divers recovered a body believed to be that of the missing teenager. Formal identification is underway.
Both victims have been taken into the care of the authorities. Police have opened an inquest docket.
It is believed the teenagers were part of a group of five when the incident occurred.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and friends affected by this tragedy.
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