Cape Town – A 19-year-old woman, believed to be a Rhodes University student, died after being swept out to sea by rip currents in Port Alfred at the weekend.
NSRI Port Alfred deputy station commander Gerrit Cloete said that at about 3.30pm on Saturday, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at West Beach.
“In strong rip currents a female was being swept out to sea. We believe she had been swimming and wading in waist deep water at the time while at the beach with friends,” Cloete said.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene, the NSRI rescue craft Rescue 11 Alpha was launched, with police, Gardmed ambulance services, Multi Security officers and Municipal officials also responding.
“On arrival at the scene our NSRI rescue craft was able to reach the female in the surf line in rough sea conditions and on rescuing the female on to our rescue craft CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced and the female was brought to our NSRI Port Alfred rescue station where paramedics continued with extensive CPR efforts.
“After all efforts to resuscitate the female were exhausted sadly the 19-year-old KZN female, believed to be attending Rhodes University, was declared deceased,” Cloete said.
The body was taken into the care of police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and police have opened an inquest.
“Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the deceased,” Cloete added.
Cape Times