Deon Truter, NSRI Plettenberg Bay station commander, said; “At 08h27 on Friday 18 November, NSRI Plettenberg Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay (in front of the Sea Rescue station 14 base).
“Our NSRI Plettenberg Bay volunteer sea rescue duty crew responded directly to the scene after it was confirmed that the female had been brought to the beach by a duty lifeguard and an unidentified bystander.
“Our sea rescue duty doctor, Dr. Sam Botha, Med Life private ambulance services and the SA Police Services also responded.
“On arrival on-scene it was confirmed that duty lifeguard Clyde Mondeka and an unidentified bystander had rescued a 60 year old female, from Belarus, from the water and they, assisted by a Cape Town tourist, dr. Bruce Mc Iver, initiated cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts and they were soon joined by our sea rescue doctor, medics from NSRI and paramedics from Med Life, and the patient was loaded into an ambulance and CPR efforts continued in the ambulance to hospital where doctors, after continued efforts to resuscitate the victim were exhausted, declared the victim dead.
“According to reports the female had attempted to swim from Beacon Island to Central Beach when she appears to have gotten into difficulties, witnessed by lifeguards and bystanders on the beach who raised the alarm and launched a rescue effort.
“An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death although it is suspected that the deceased lady died as a result of drowning.
“Police are to open an inquest docket.
“The deceased was on holiday from Belarus with her Niece, staying at a local hotel.
“The aftermath of this tragic incident is being assisted by The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, The Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Police.
“The name of the deceased has not been released while efforts are ongoing to reach family abroad.”
