An Austrian tourist has died following a drowning incident at Leentjiesklip Beach in Wilderness on Saturday afternoon.
NSRI Wilderness was activated at around 3pm after reports of swimmers in distress. George Municipal lifeguards responded to three swimmers caught in rip currents - two men and a woman.
Rescue swimmers, additional lifeguards, EMS, George Fire and Rescue, law enforcement and police were dispatched to the scene. The NSRI rescue craft JetRIB Ann Stratford was launched.
A 19-year-old woman and her 21-year-old male friend, a university student from Cape Town, were rescued from the water and were not injured.
A 49-year-old Austrian man was also pulled from the surf with the assistance of lifeguards, rescue swimmers and bystanders. CPR was performed on the beach before paramedics arrived. He was transported to hospital in a critical condition after a faint pulse was restored.
Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, the man was declared dead later that night.
Police have opened an inquest docket. The incident is believed to have occurred near the peak of the spring high tide, when the swimmers were caught in strong rip currents.
The NSRI has extended condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. Support is being provided by the NSRI, the Austrian Consulate, Southern Cape Tourism Assist and police.
NSRI Wilderness was activated at around 3pm after reports of swimmers in distress. George Municipal lifeguards responded to three swimmers caught in rip currents - two men and a woman.
Rescue swimmers, additional lifeguards, EMS, George Fire and Rescue, law enforcement and police were dispatched to the scene. The NSRI rescue craft JetRIB Ann Stratford was launched.
A 19-year-old woman and her 21-year-old male friend, a university student from Cape Town, were rescued from the water and were not injured.
A 49-year-old Austrian man was also pulled from the surf with the assistance of lifeguards, rescue swimmers and bystanders. CPR was performed on the beach before paramedics arrived. He was transported to hospital in a critical condition after a faint pulse was restored.
Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, the man was declared dead later that night.
Police have opened an inquest docket. The incident is believed to have occurred near the peak of the spring high tide, when the swimmers were caught in strong rip currents.
The NSRI has extended condolences to the deceased’s family and friends. Support is being provided by the NSRI, the Austrian Consulate, Southern Cape Tourism Assist and police.