Tragic Start To The New Year As Nsri Responds To Two Separate Drownings

In a devastating series of events on the West Coast, the National Sea Rescue Institute NSRI has been called into action twice on New Years Day in response to two separate drownings, reports Cape town Etc .

At approximately 3:30 PM on January 1, the NSRI Strandfontein station was alerted by the South African Police Services SAPS to a drowning in progress at the Olifants River Mouth near Papendorp. The report indicated that a 32-year-old local man had gone missing in the water while swimming. In a swift response, the NSRI Strandfontein duty crew mobilized a rescue craft, a JetRib, and rushed to the scene.

Upon arrival, a large-scale search operation began immediately. Despite tireless efforts, no signs of the missing swimmer have been found as of yet. Police Water Policing and Diving Services WPDS have been activated to continue the search, and the family of the missing man is in the thoughts and prayers of all involved during this difficult time.

Just hours earlier, at 12:34 PM on the same day, NSRI Melkbosstrand, alongside a wide array of local emergency services, was called to a distress situation at Tableview Beach. A 46-year-old man from Philippi, Cape Town, had been caught in rip currents while swimming in the surf zone.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of a father and daughter, both experienced in lifesaving, the man's life was initially saved. Using an NSRI pink rescue buoy, the pair kept the man afloat while awaiting professional help. The father, trained in lifesaving techniques, and his daughter, a former lifeguard with Big Bay Surf Lifesaving BBSL, showed remarkable courage and resourcefulness.