CAPE TOWN – In a somber turn of events, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gordons Bay was activated on Monday following eyewitness reports of a drowning incident at Gordons Bay Main Beach, situated next to the Gordons Bay Naval Base.
The NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew swiftly responded to the distress call, with rescue swimmers directly heading to the scene while the crew prepared to launch rescue craft from the NSRI Gordons Bay station 9 rescue base. The City of Cape Town (CoCT) water rescue network was also alerted to the situation.
On duty at Gordons Bay Main Beach, CoCT lifeguards had just arrived from their neighbouring duty beach when they confirmed reports that an adult male had been rescued by a group of swimmers. The rescuers noticed the man motionless in the water and promptly entered to bring him ashore.
Initiating immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts, the lifeguards raised the alarm, prompting a rapid response from multiple emergency services, including the SA Police Services, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, GB Med sec ambulance services, WC Government Health EMS, ER24 ambulance services, and CoCT Law Enforcement.
Despite the extensive efforts of paramedics to resuscitate the 25-year-old man, hailing from Athlone, he was tragically declared deceased at the scene. Family members, who were present at Main Beach during the incident, were taken into the care of the Police, while the body of the deceased was entrusted to Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
Condolences are extended to the family and friends of the young man, and thoughts are with them during this difficult time. At this early stage, the cause of the incident has not been confirmed, and investigations are ongoing. The eyewitnesses and friends who selflessly rescued the man from the water are commended for their swift and courageous efforts.
The Cape Navigator will continue to provide updates on this unfortunate incident as more information becomes available.
Tags: NSRI