NSRI Stilbaai: Young Man Dies After Vehicle Enters Goukou River

NSRI Stilbaai – Duty crew responded early Tuesday morning after a vehicle went into the Goukou River near the river mouth, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old man who was holidaying in the area with family.

NSRI Stilbaai – Tuesday, 15 September

Lian Combrinck, NSRI Stilbaai Deputy Station Commander, reports:

At 06h27 on Tuesday, 15 September, NSRI Stilbaai duty crew were activated following reports of a vehicle in the Goukou River, near the Goukou River Mouth. NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene, while our rescue vehicle, together with SA Police Service, Western Cape Government Health EMS and Hessequa Fire and Rescue Service, also responded.

On arrival, a vehicle was found submerged in the river with one person trapped inside. Police divers from the Water Policing and Diving Service (WPDS) were alerted. With concern that the outgoing tide could sweep the vehicle further down river, NSRI rescue swimmers assisted Police in recovering the body of a male from the vehicle.

The 21-year-old man, from De Doorns, who was on holiday in Stilbaai with family, was declared deceased by paramedics on scene. His body has been taken into the care of Police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Service.

His sister, reportedly injured in the accident, is currently being treated in hospital.

It is believed the accident may have occurred earlier, in the early hours of the morning.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Our condolences go out to the family of the deceased at this devastating time.