A 28-year-old man died after being pulled from the surf on Wednesday afternoon.
Image: File
A peaceful afternoon at Bloubergstrand Beach turned tragic on Wednesday when a 28-year-old man died following a reported drowning incident.
The man, an Ethiopian national who was living in Atlantis, had reportedly been swimming when he was possibly caught in rip currents – a dangerous ocean condition that is known to affect the coastline along Table View and Bloubergstrand, according to the NSRI.
NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander Rowan Marais said the alarm was raised at 3.37pm, prompting an immediate emergency response.
“NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew and the City of Cape Town water rescue network were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Bloubergstrand Beach,” said Mr Marais.
Several emergency services responded to the scene in a coordinated effort, he said.
Responding teams included lifeguards from Big Bay Surf Lifesaving, NSRI crews from the Melkbosstrand and Table Bay stations, community medics, as well as paramedics from Netcare 911 and ER24.
Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the South African Police Service, and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement also attended the scene to assist with recovery efforts.
Authorities have urged beachgoers to remain cautious when swimming along the coastline, particularly in areas where rip currents may occur.
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