Ashton teen rescues flood victim from being swept away

A 16-year-old Ashton International College Ballito pupil came to the rescue of a woman who had become stranded in her car during the floods two weeks ago.

James Moss and his dad Peter were on their way home when they heard the N2 northbound bridge had been flooded and traffic was being diverted.

Instead of going home, they got onto the R102 having heard that the Shakaskraal bridge had been swept away.

“My dad wanted to go and see whether people needed help,” said James.

Little did they know that a woman had become stranded and that she had already spent 2 hours in her car while the floodwater continued to rise.

Other motorists had turned away instead of coming to her rescue.

Closing in on the Shakaskraal bridge the car’s headlights revealed her car stranded in the floodwater.

Convinced someone was in the vehicle they called the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) to assist, but before they could arrive the car appeared to be in danger of being swept away.

“I jumped out the car and waded in to go and help the lady out of her car,” James said.

He said the woman was traumatised and in distress, barely able to stand as the water was too high and the flow too strong for her.

“I put her over my shoulder and pulled her out of the car, helping her to safety.”

The NSRI Ballito crew arrived shortly after, having come from another rescue.

“They made sure we were OK,” said James.

NSRI Ballito station commander, Quentin Power, said: “In the midst of the chaos caused by flooding, we take our hats off to all the community members who stepped up and helped those in need without a second thought.”

*Note: James Moss is an entrant in the April Spar Stars competition, which you can vote in for him to win. Click here to vote.