Man drowns at Strand, two saved

A 20-year-old man from Belhar drowned at Strand beach on Wednesday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has confirmed.

“NSRI Gordon’s Bay duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority following reports of a drowning in progress at Strand beach.

Strand Surf Lifesaving Club lifeguards patrolling the beach had noticed a group of young males appearing to be in difficulty in the water at Bends on the Beach,” said the NSRI.

“Lifeguards raised the alarm and went into the surf and rescued two males, aged 20, from the water. NSRI Gordon’s Bay dispatched a sea rescue vehicle and launched the sea rescue craft Spirit of Mercantile.

“GB Med Security ambulance services, ER24 ambulance services, WC Government Health EMS, Law Enforcement and Law Enforcement Marine and the SA Police Service responded.”

The NSRI said that while bringing the two surviving men out of the water, the lifeguards were approached by members of the public informing the lifeguards that there had been another male and a female with the two young men.

The NSRI also confirmed that the female had already been out of the water with family members on the beach. “Paramedics treated the female for shock and for non-fatal drowning symptoms, and she has been released. Unfortunately, the other male drowned.”

The other two 20-year-old men who were rescued were transported to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition.