MUZIENBERG, CAPE TOWN – The Muizenberg Beach community is grappling with sadness after a resident of Samora Machel, Cape Town, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, 21 January. The City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) water rescue network responded to reports from CoCT lifeguards at 17:55, who were engaged in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on a man in his early 30s. The individual had collapsed and was unresponsive, prompting a compassionate and coordinated emergency response.
Multiple agencies, including the South African Police Services, Western Cape Government Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Life Healthcare response paramedics, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, and CoCT Law Enforcement, were on the scene to provide support. The National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and NSRI Strandfontein were also promptly alerted.
Paramedics, working alongside lifeguards, devoted considerable efforts to revive the man through CPR. Despite their unwavering commitment, the man was eventually declared deceased, and his body was respectfully handed over to Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
While preliminary suspicions suggest natural causes, the South African Police Services have opened an inquest docket to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The news has deeply saddened the Samora Machel community, and heartfelt condolences are extended to the family of the deceased man. The NSRI, in a statement, expressed solidarity and offered support during this difficult time. As the community mourns, the focus remains on providing comfort and understanding to those affected by this unexpected loss.
