Cape Town – A man drowned at Melkbosstrand Beach in the Western Cape on Christmas Eve, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed on Sunday.
In a statement, NSRI said its members responded to a drowning incident at around 16:32.
“At 16h32, Saturday, 24 December, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew were activated following reports from City of Cape Town lifeguards of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation efforts they had commenced on an adult male that they had rescued from the mid surf breakers,” read the statement.
The man had apparently “been swept out to sea by rip currents in rough sea conditions further down the beach from the lifeguard protected swimming area”.
The City of Cape Town water rescue network was activated.
A man was pulled out from the water after being swept out to sea by rip currents in rough sea conditions this past Saturday.https://t.co/nHQaVxPRsU
— National Sea Rescue Institute (@NSRI) December 25, 2022
“NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers and NSRI medics, WC Government Health EMS, Community Medics, ER24 ambulance services, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services, CoCT Law Enforcement, Big Bay lifeguards and Melkbosstrand neighbourhood watch members responded to join City of Cape Town lifeguards on the scene.
“After extensive efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted sadly he was declared deceased by paramedics,” NSRI said.
The body of the man was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
“Police have opened an inquest docket.
“Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.
“We are appealing to bathers to swim at lifeguard-protected beaches and swim in between the safe demarcated swimming zones posted by lifeguards,” said NSRI.
Meanwhile, EWN reported that two tourists were rescued by helicopter while hiking in Franschoek and Kirstenbosch Gardens.
The report said that both had sustained injuries and were airlifted by chopper for treatment.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
