By Lebone Rodah Mosima
A 27-year-old man remains missing after apparently trying to rescue a friend from rip currents at Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay, while another person’s body was recovered from nearby Pelican Island following a separate incident.
The City of uMhlathuze Municipality on Tuesday told residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution and adhere to beach-safety regulations following the incidents over the weekend.
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According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), its Richards Bay duty crew was activated at about 17:33 on Sunday, following eyewitness reports of two men in distress in the surf zone at Alkantstrand’s Main Beach.
“NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI rescue vehicle, the SA Police Service, Police Search and Rescue, uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Services and Mounties EMS (Emergency Medical Services) responded,” the NSRI said.
NSRI Richards Bay station commander Norman Rautenbach said rescuers confirmed that a 26-year-old man had reached the shore safely, but his 27-year-old friend had disappeared after apparently being caught in rip currents.
An extensive search failed to locate the missing man.
“Police have opened an investigation,” the NSRI said.
“It appears that while swimming the 26-year-old may have been caught in rip currents when his friend reportedly tried to assist him, but he was then caught in the rip currents.”
Paramedics assessed the 26-year-old man at the scene, but he did not require further medical treatment.
Police Search and Rescue continued searching for the missing man.
In a separate incident, two members of the public reported a missing person at Pelican Island on Sunday morning.
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“They indicated that the individual had gone missing the previous evening while they were at Pelican Island, which is a non-bathing beach,” the municipality said.
“Following the report, the individuals were advised to open a case with the relevant authorities, and patrols were planned, particularly during low tide.”
The municipality said the person’s body was found floating in the water at about 12:45 on Monday, and was recovered. The necessary procedures were subsequently followed.
The two incidents follow another fatal drowning in Richards Bay earlier this month.
On 4 October, a 28-year-old man was recovered from the water near the Bay Hall area. Emergency personnel attempted to resuscitate him, but he was declared dead at the scene, according to the NSRI.
The City of uMhlathuze extended its condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the incidents.
“Pelican Island is not a designated bathing beach and the public is urged to avoid entering the water when lifeguards are off duty,” it said.
