Man dies after helping drowning mass

By Tina George
20 December 2007

A 42 year-old man from Barkley East died after a mass drowning in progress was reported at Roberg beach in Plettenberg on Wednesday.

This follows after a family member had gone to the assistance of two children that were swept out to sea.

The family member was then followed by a number of other people who went into the water to try and assist.

On arrival on scene 14 people were found to be swept out to sea by a rip current and had gotten into difficulty themselves.

“NSRI deployed five rescue swimmers into the water, all fourteen people were rescued, some by each other and some by the NSRI rescue swimmers,” says NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

“The man was resuscitated on the scene and rushed to hospital in a critical condition but passed away this morning,” says Lambinon.

A further two men were hospitalized and are reported to be in a stable and satisfied condition. The remaining eleven people were released on scene requiring no further medical assistance.

“We are appealing to people to be extremely cautious of rip currents and not to go swimming unless lifeguards are on duty at the beaches,” says Lambinon.

Children should always have adult supervision when they are swimming.

In a sea rescue emergency you can call the NSRI on 082 911