NSRI Knysna rescues missing surfer at Buffel's Bay

NSRI Knysna volunteer crew has safely rescued a surfer who went missing after drifting out to sea at Buffels Bay, along the Garden Route.

Missing surfer safely rescued at Buffels Bay

A surfer who went missing while surfing at Buffels Bay, along the Garden Route near Knysna, has been safely rescued by NSRI Knysna.

At 12h17 on Saturday, 13 June, NSRI Knysna duty crew were activated following reports to the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of a surfer missing at Buffels Bay. Our rescue craft Eileen Medway and JayTee IV were launched, navigating 3.5-metre to 4.5-metre swells through the Knysna Heads in rough sea conditions.

The 33-year-old woman, from George, had been surfing with three friends since around 09h30 in ideal conditions with big waves. After her friends returned to the beach, they assumed she was still among the surfers in the water. When the remaining surfers came ashore, and she was not among them, her partner and friends raised the alarm and began searching, fearing she was missing at sea.

Taking into account her last known position and the sea drift, our crew initiated a search in the direction of Brenton-on-Sea, following the sea currents. During the search, the crew spotted the surfer, who sat up on her surfboard after seeing the rescue craft. At 12h47 she was reached and brought safely aboard.

Treatment for hypothermia began immediately on the rescue craft and continued at our rescue base, where she was reunited with her partner. After paramedics gave the all clear, with the casualty responding well, she required no further treatment and was released into the care of her partner.

It appears the surfer had drifted further out to sea and towards Brenton-on-Sea on the incoming New Moon spring tide. Despite her efforts to paddle towards shore, she could make no headway and chose to stay calm and conserve energy on her surfboard. She is commended for staying with her surfboard and remaining calm, confident that the alarm would be raised.

We commend everyone who helped raise the alarm and start the search. Their swift action contributed to a life being saved.

If you see someone in difficulty in the water, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Call the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre on 087 094 9774 or use the free 112 emergency number.

Sea Rescue. Volunteers saving lives on South African waters.