GEORGE NEWS - New details have emerged about the drowning tragedy at Leentjiesklip Beach in Wilderness on Saturday afternoon, 24 October, in which a local father lost his life while attempting to rescue his teenage son.
According to a statement issued by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) this morning, 25 October, two teenage boys were caught in rip currents while swimming at the beach.
Their fathers entered the water in an attempt to rescue them.
The two families, one local and the other from Germany, are friends.
NSRI Wilderness station commander Jonathan Britton said rescue crews were activated at 17:31 following reports of a drowning in progress.
NSRI rescue swimmers, SAPS, Western Cape Government Health EMS, ER24 ambulance services and George Fire and Rescue Services responded to the emergency.
One of the teenagers, a 14-year-old boy from Germany, managed to reach the beach on his own, where he was attended to by NSRI medics.
An NSRI rescue swimmer entered the water to assist the remaining teenager and the two fathers, who were still in distress in the surf.
Emergency workers on the scene yesterday, early evening. Photo: Supplied
Two NSRI rescue craft, Ann Stratford and Oscars Rescuer, were also launched.
The German father and the local teenager were successfully rescued and brought to shore, where they received medical attention.
Tragically, the local father was found lifeless in the water and brought to the beach, where NSRI medics immediately began CPR. Paramedics joined the resuscitation efforts, but despite extensive attempts to save him, he was declared deceased at the scene.
The surviving father and both teenagers were transported to hospital by ER24 and are recovering under medical care.
The deceased man's body was handed over to SAPS and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
George police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
The NSRI has extended its condolences to the man's family and friends.
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