Matriculant drowns on New Year’s Day at Hyde Park Beach
Tragedy struck on New Year's Day as a young man - fresh out of matric - drowned yesterday on the Dolphin Coast.
Kimeshen Nagappen, a 17 year old who had just matriculated from ML Sultan Secondary School in Stanger, drowned off Hyde Park Beach between Blythedale and Zinkwazi yesterday.
KwaDukuza lifeguard supervisor Bongani Xulu said Nagappen was sucked out to sea by a rip current.
“Beachgoers tried to rescue him and eventually got him out of the surf,” said Xulu.
“Unfortunately, it was too late and he had already passed on.”
“This is an unprotected beach – so there are no lifeguards on duty and emergency response takes a little longer.”
Praise and condolences were shared over the Kwadukuza – ILEMBE Public Matters & Reporting group on Facebook for the people who tried to rescue the young man.
Sooraj Maharaj, a 47-year-old Blythedale resident, was one of those who dived in after the teenager.
According to Maharaj this incident occurred shortly before 3pm yesterday afternoon.
“I was just enjoying an afternoon at the beach when I saw him,” said Maharaj.
“I could not just stand there – I had to try do something.”
By the time they had pulled Nagappen out, paramedics had arrived on the beach and began efforts to resuscitate him – to no avail.
>>> For ideas of things to do this holiday check out Holiday Vibes.
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