A female university student, believed to be 22 years old and from Gauteng, was located by National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescue swimmers past the backline of the waves in front of Views Hotel, Wilderness, on Friday afternoon.

She was transported to hospital by Frontier Medix ambulance in a critical condition where doctors and nurses fought through the night to save her life.

“NSRI has learned that she sadly passed away during the night after all efforts to save her were exhausted,” said NSRI Wilderness station commander Mike Vonk.

“Meanwhile the search continues for a male university student from Ngqamakhwe in the Eastern Cape, believed to be 18 years old, who went missing in the surf.”

“We believe that while a group of university students were swimming, rip currents may have developed in the surf. The students exited the water but the female was caught in rip currents. The missing teenager had reportedly attempted to rescue her.”

The NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated at 16:09 on Friday, following reports of a drowning in progress. NSRI rescue swimmers, Western Cape Government Health EMS and EMS Rescue, George Fire and Rescue Services and Frontier Medix ambulance services responded.

The female university student was located by NSRI rescue swimmers, but was unresponsive. “The rescue swimmers initiated chest compressions while swimming her towards the shore. An NSRI rescue craft recovered her in the mid-surf break and onto the NSRI rescue craft,” said Vonk.

According to Vonk, the female student was moved to the beach while CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) efforts by NSRI medics, paramedics, and an off-duty doctor continued. Meanwhile the search continued for the male university student, who remained missing in the surf.

“An extensive sea and shoreline search on Friday revealed no sign of the missing teenager. The Police Dive Unit continues the search for the missing teenager. NSRI Wilderness and George Fire and Rescue Services are assisting police divers in the ongoing search.

“Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the female. Police have opened an inquest docket. Family and friends of the missing teenager are in our care and thoughts remain with them in this difficult time.”