PLETTENBERG BAY:
At 19h42, Sunday, 29th December, NSRI Plettenberg Bay responded the sea rescue craft RAY FARNHAM and AIRLINK RESCUER to Keurbooms beach where people were caught in rip-currents.
On arrival on-scene all casualties were found on the beach. A mom, Christo Swart, from Johannesburg, witnessed her adopted daughter, 16, being swept out to sea by rip currents and the 16 year olds brother had gone into the water to assist but he was also swept out to sea.
A 70 year old bystander, Gary Warren, swam out to assist and they all assisted each other out onto the beach safely where an Australian doctor, ex South African, Dr. Marius Botha, tended to the casualties.
The brother and sister were transported to hospital in stable conditions by Medlife ambulance services for treatment for near drowning symptoms and for observation for secondary drowning and they have since been released.
Gary Warren, who was not injured, is commended for his efforts.
WILDERNESS:
At 11h08, Wednesday, 01 January, NSRI Wilderness, Fire and Rescue Services, WC Government Health EMS, the SA Police Services and lifeguards responded to the Eastern side of Wilderness Beach, where no lifeguards are on duty, and where a German couple were being swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming.
On arrival on-scene Christopher Perkenhof, 57, was found to have managed to get safely ashore without assistance and Elize Bortans, 45, was rescued by the NSRI rescue runner.
They have been medically checked by EMS paramedics and do not need to be transported to hospital, both are in satisfactory conditions although shaken by the ordeal.
- NSRI
