GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A father and daughter from Hoekwil were rescued from the surf at Wilderness Main Beach last Friday, 9 September, after their sea-kayak capsized.
The father (50), an experienced sea-kayak fisherman, and his daughter (17) had paddled out to sea as part of the daughter’s birthday celebration, said Mike Vonk, NSRI Wilderness commander.
Members of the NSRI Wilderness reacted to the emergency after being alerted by an eye-witness at 17:45 in the fading daylight.
Vonk said the NSRI duty crew responded and the rescue craft Ann Stratford was launched.
Vonk commended the eye-witnesses who raised the alarm and who stood by on the scene to assist with the NSRI pink rescue buoy.
The sea-kayak had washed ashore, leaving the father and daughter in difficulties in the mid-break surf line.
“Our rescue craft reached the two casualties, who were both wearing PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) and the NSRI crew took them onto the rescue craft.
“They were brought to shore where the daughter was assessed by an NSRI medic and she was not injured. They required no further assistance,” said Vonk.
Vonk also commended the two for wearing PFDs.
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