Glenashley Beach: Fatal Drowning

Matt Dickey, NSRI Umhlanga station commander, said: At 18h10, Saturday, 15 March, NSRI Durban, NSRI Umhlanga and the KZN Surf Rescue Network were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Glenashley Beach, Durban North.

An adult man and an adult lady, believed to be locals, were reported to be caught in the surf zone in heavy, rough sea conditions during the turn of Spring high tide.

NSRI Durban and NSRI Umhlanga rescue swimmers, eThekwini Surf lifeguards, Netcare 911 ambulance services, ALS Paramedics ambulance services, Marshall Security Services, the SA Police Services and eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services responded.

While responding to the scene it was reported that the female had reached the beach after appearing to have been dumped by a large wave that landed her onto the beach. She was safe and appeared to not be injured.

The man, still in the surf zone, appeared to be caught in heavy sea currents.

At least 3 male Good Samaritans, one armed with an NSRI pink rescue buoy, reached the man in the surf zone about 10 to 15 meters offshore and together they rescued the man to the beach where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced. One of the Good Samaritan rescuers, who initiated CPR, is reported to be a doctor.

On arrival on the scene paramedics and NSRI medics continued with advanced life support resuscitation efforts and after all efforts at CPR were exhausted sadly the man was declared deceased.

The body of the man has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

The female was not injured. A Victim Support trauma counsellor assisted the surviving female who we believe is related to the deceased man.

Police have opened an Inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

NSRI commend the bystanders who swiftly raised the alarm and we commend the Good Samaritan rescuers for their efforts to try to save the life of the man.