A local security guard rescued from a flooded guard post

Wednesday, 6 May, NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from the TNPA (Transnet National Ports Authority) security office reporting a security guard trapped in a building on the shoreline below the M4 Freeway at the North End Lighthouse.

NSRI rescue swimmers, using their private vehicles, and NMBM (Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality) Fire and Rescue Services responded.

On reaching the area vehicles negotiated flood waters along the shoreline roadway for about 1.5 kilometers to reach the affected building where the security guard was trapped inside the building that had flooded to waist deep.

The building, surrounded by a high barbed wire fence, could not be accessed, with security guard holding the keys to the gate, but trapped inside the building that was flooded.

Communications were established with the man who was instructed to stay in place and not try to exit the building until our rescue swimmers could reach him.

NSRI rescue swimmers reached the fence where barbed wire was removed from the fence and the rescue swimmers climbed over the fence reaching the 29 year old local man inside the building.

The man, in good spirits, was kitted into personal protective gear and a life-jacket, and in the care of NSRI rescue swimmers he was waded to the fence gate.

Unfortunately the lock to the gate was under water and the key to the lock was unable to be used. Our rescue swimmers broke the lock, using bolt cutters, where the man was waded to safety.

Once safely on high ground, not injured but only a bit cold, the man was warmed and safely removed from the area and no further assistance was required.

The successful operation was completed at 05h02.