The Cape Navigator

CLIFTON, CAPE TOWN – A mysterious drowning incident off the shores of Clifton has left authorities puzzled as they appeal for information to identify a woman believed to be a Clifton local in her 50s. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, 11 February, when open water swimmers discovered the woman face down in the water near Clifton’s Second Beach.

The Good Samaritans acted swiftly, rescuing the unidentified woman to the shoreline and initiating Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). A doctor, coincidentally present at the beach, joined the rescue efforts. Despite the combined efforts of the rescuers and emergency services, the woman could not be revived, and she was declared deceased.

The City of Cape Town’s water rescue network, including NSRI Bakoven medics, NSRI Table Bay medics, WC Government Health EMS, Netcare 911 ambulance services, Community Medics, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, CoCT Law Enforcement, and the South African Police Services, responded to the incident. SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services were also alerted.

While initial indications suggest that the woman was swimming at the time, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown. The police have opened an Inquest docket to investigate the incident further. Formal identification of the deceased is underway in collaboration with the police and forensic pathology services.

In a joint statement, the South African Police Services and NSRI issued an urgent appeal for information regarding the identity of the deceased woman. Described as a white adult female in her 50s, the swimmer was wearing a floral two-piece bathing suit, a yellow bathing cap, and purple Speedo swimming goggles. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who can assist in identifying the woman to contact Camps Bay Police Station at 021 4378140 or NSRI Communications at 0823803800.

Despite ongoing investigations, as of the morning of 13 February, no official media statement from the South African Police Services could be located on the SAPS Newsroom website.

Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the deceased woman as authorities work diligently to piece together the details of this tragic event.