Three men rescued after being trapped on ledge of Parow Canal

Three men were rescued from the Parow Canal, on Thursday afternoon.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said the incident occurred at the corners of Jan Van Riebeeck and Cloete Street, where fast flowing water in the canal adjacent to the railway trapped the three men on a ledge in the canal.

[Watch] Today, the City's Fire & Rescue Services rescued three men from the Parow Canal.

The swift water rescue happened at the corners of Jan Van Riebeeck and Cloete Streets where fast-flowing water in the canal adjacent to the railway trapped the three men on a ledge.#CTNews pic.twitter.com/mOjUhSQ6AH

— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) June 15, 2023

He added that the emergency call came through at 11:20, and the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service crews from Goodwood, Kuilsriver, Bellville, as well as the Training Academy and Metro Rescue were on scene.

‘’Staff rigged a rope pulley system attached to the boat as the current was extremely strong, undertaking the rescue with non-motorised craft with oars, for the safety of the trapped persons.

‘’The first person was rescued at 12:28 and the other two at 12:38. Metro ambulance staff treated the patients after being rescued,’’ he added.

SUPPLIED: JP Smith

Smith said the situation was made difficult as their communication devices failed, but Smith said firefighters used hand signals to get by.

SUPPLIED: JP Smith

‘’I want to commend the City's Fire & Rescue staff for their swift action and skill in ensuring the safety of the three men. We are proud of our capable and professional Fire & Rescue Dive Unit,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security.

 

Done by: Alungile Njemla