Lifesavers respond to three call-outs at Amanzimtoti beaches
Fishermen, lifesavers and life support personnel managed to rescue five people, however, despite heroic attempts, a seven-year-old boy died.
LOCAL lifesavers and life support personnel responded to six people who required assistance at three non-bathing beaches in Amanzimtoti throughout the 12-hour shift, on November 18.
Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge, said what started as a joyous dip in a cool ocean on a scorching day, turned into a busy and challenging day for local lifesavers and life support personnel.
ALSO READ:Â Grandmother drowns while on holiday in Amanzimtoti
“No less than six people required assistance at three non-bathing beaches throughout the 12-hour shift at respectively, Doonside, Baggies and Karridene, the stretch between Winklespruit and Illovo river mouth. While five of the six were successfully resuscitated, unfortunately, and despite extensive effort by all, a seven-year-old passed away. Kudos to two fishermen who managed to cast lines which was grasped by the 13-year-old boy,” he said.
He added that beach manager, Jace Govender, swam through murky water to where the father was spotted behind backline and brought him ashore.
“Irrespective of their continued effort, that of lifesavers and a member of the public, who braved the chocolate brown water and debris washed down the river after the recent rain in an attempt to locate the minor, the seven-year-old boy never recovered consciousness after being spotted and brought to shore. Our condolences go out to the local family on their tragic loss. Thank you to all who were involved in the day’s efforts,” said Beetge.
In a Facebook post, community member, Carol Lane, shared the tragic story of the father and his two sons and gave recognition to the two fishermen, Vinesh Ruthenal and Gus Kaltenbrun, the lifesavers who braved the dirty water as well as the rescue personnel who worked tirelessly in an attempt to resuscitate the young boy.
According to Lane, Govender said, “This was the third call-out for the morning. We had one at Doonside where a local young man went swimming and got washed out a kilometre to sea, he was rescued by life savers on a rescue launch from Amanzimtoti. Then, Wade Forest from the ski boat club alerted us to two holiday makers being washed out past the rocks at Baggies. We dispatched our rescue craft and lifesavers from Doonside who rescued them as well.”
Beetge also reminded beach goers that the sea is treacherous and bathing should only be attempted at designated bathing beaches, during hours when lifesavers are on duty, and between the flags that demarcate the bathing area.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom at 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
