VIDEO: Locals help rescue man swept into Umgeni River
The man was in the shallow shoreline at the Umgeni River mouth when he was caught in the incoming Spring tide and swept into the river.
THREE Good Samaritans have been hailed heroes for their efforts in rescuing a man who was swept into the Umgeni River on Monday afternoon (August 31).
Njabulo Zondi, who works at Kingfisher Canoe Club, Tony Botes, an amputee and veteran paddler at the club, and teenager Cole Nienhüser from Clifton College who was training at the club, helped in the rescue efforts to bring the man to safety.
The man was performing a religious ceremony in the shallow shoreline at the Umgeni River mouth when he was caught in the incoming spring tide and swept upriver.
According to veteran paddler Botes, the man became tangled in hyacinth and was midway between the Ellis Brown Viaduct and Northway bridge.
Using a specially designed surfski for his disability, Botes paddled out to the man on the north side of the river and kept him calm and told him to lay on his back to stay afloat.
Nienhüser, who has lifesaving experience, and who was training at the canoe club gym when he saw the incident unfold, stripped down to his shorts and swam out to help.
They eventually got the man to safety on the south bank side of the river where members of the NSRI Durban rescue swimmers, eThekwini Municipal lifeguards, eThekwini Municipal Coastal Water members and Netcare 911 ambulance helped out.
Paul Bevis, NSRI Durban coxswain, confirmed the man was medically assessed, not injured, and he required no further medical care.
“NSRI has reached out to the casualty man, he is doing well, he has expressed his deep appreciation to his rescuers. We also commend the quick thinking of the three men, Njabulo Zondi, Tony Botes and Cole Nienhüser whose efforts saved the man’s life,” he said.
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