At 18h20, Thursday, 1 January, the KZN surf rescue network was alerted to what was initially reported as at least 3 people in distress in the surf zone at Pennington Beach near to the tidal pool, KZN South Coast.
NSRI Rocky Bay rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue and IPSS medical rescue responded to join Alert lifeguards who had launched into the surf in efforts to rescue (later reported as at least) 5 people appearing to be in distress caught in rip currents.
While responding to the scene reports indicated that at least 5 people were in distress and Alert lifeguards had launched a surf rescue operation.
Alert lifeguards reportedly had rescued 3 persons from the water.
1 male (21), was sadly declared deceased by paramedics. The remaining 2 casualties, one believed to be a young adult male and one rescued female (18), they were not injured.
The body of the deceased was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
At least 3 males reportedly remained missing.
During the night, at around 21h30, Police recovered a male (21) in the vicinity, sadly deceased.
The body of the deceased was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
Condolences are conveyed to family and friends of the deceased.
Police have opened Inquest dockets for the 2 deceased cases.
Police Search and Rescue, assisted by NSRI and lifeguards, are continuing in search operations for 2 remaining missing males, both believed to be aged 21.
Thoughts and care are with the families of the missing 2 young men.
Some information may change as more details are determined.
Cumulo
Fun South African Fact: South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” thanks to its mix of cultures across the country. The status of being a cultural “melting pot” is evident in the fact that South Africa has a whopping 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, IsiNdebele, Sesotho, Northern Sotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga. Most South Africans speak more than one national language. IsiZulu is the most common first language and isiXhosa is second. Fun fact – did you know the people of Wakanda speak isiXhosa in Marvel’s Black Panther movie?
Lskeee
Fun South African Travel tip: You can visit the hominid fossil displays and learn more about the beginnings of our planet at the Maropeng Visitors Centre and Sterkfontein Caves.