Weekend tragedy as man drowns in Wilderness saving son

A man has died following a drowning incident at Leentjiesklip Beach in Wilderness, Western Cape, after two teenage boys were reportedly caught in rip currents on Saturday.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Wilderness duty crew was activated at 17:31 after reports of a drowning in progress.

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According to NSRI Wilderness station commander Jonathan Britton, two fathers entered the water to help their sons after the teenagers got into difficulty in the surf.

The two families are friends. One father and his teenage son are local residents, while the other father and his 14-year-old son are from Germany.

Rescue operation launched

NSRI rescue swimmers, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Western Cape Government Health EMS, ER24 and George Fire and Rescue Service responded to the emergency.

One of the teenagers, a 14-year-old boy from Germany, managed to make his own way back to the beach. He was initially assisted by NSRI medics before being handed over to paramedics.

An NSRI rescue swimmer entered the water to assist the two adults and the remaining teenager, who were still in distress in the surf zone.

The NSRI duty crew also launched two rescue craft, Ann Stratford and Oscars Rescuer.

The German father and the local teenage boy were rescued and brought safely to shore. Both received assistance from NSRI medics before being handed over to paramedics.

Father declared dead despite CPR efforts

The second father, a local man, was found lifeless in the water by NSRI rescuers and brought to the beach.

NSRI medics immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with paramedics joining the efforts to revive him.

Despite extensive resuscitation attempts, the man was declared deceased after all efforts to save his life had been exhausted.

His body was handed over to police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

The surviving father and both teenagers were transported to hospital by ER24 ambulance and are recovering under medical care.

Police open inquest

Police have opened an inquest into the man’s death.

NSRI extended its condolences to the deceased man’s family and friends, adding that its thoughts were with both families during the difficult time.

The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by rip currents, which can quickly place swimmers in serious danger and put those attempting rescues at risk.