Unidentified Man’s Body Recovered from Surf Zone in Plett

19 March 2025 | SANews

PLETTENBERG BAY – Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of an unidentified man’s body in the surf zone at Lookout Rocks, near Whale Tail, on Tuesday afternoon (18 March 2025).

According to Jaco Kruger, station commander of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) in Plettenberg Bay, duty crews were activated at 13:33 after reports from lifeguards about a body spotted in the water.

Fishermen angling from the shoreline alerted Bitou shark spotters after witnessing a man floating face down in the water. It appears the individual had entered the sea from the rocks, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.

Bitou Municipal lifeguards and Beach Control were dispatched to the scene and, upon arrival, requested assistance from NSRI Plettenberg Bay. The NSRI’s rescue craft, Ray Farnham Rescuer, was launched from the station’s base while the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Western Cape Government Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were also activated.

Upon reaching the scene, NSRI found Bitou lifeguards in the surf zone, securing the man’s body. The victim was recovered onto the rescue craft and transported to the NSRI base, where EMS paramedics confirmed that he had passed away. His body was then taken into the care of SAPS and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Authorities have opened an inquest docket and are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the deceased and determining the circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Plettenberg Bay Police Station at 044 501 1900.

The swift action of local fishermen in reporting the sighting, along with the coordinated response of emergency services, has been commended by officials.