This morning, 1 January 2014, NSRI Port Elizabeth, Coastal Rescue, Mandela Bay Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Services, EC Government Health EMS, lifeguards, the SA Police Services, Netcare 911 ambulance services and Relay ambulance services responded to Blue Water Bay following reports of a mass drowning incident in progress.
It appears that as many as 50 persons, aged between approximately 12 and 24, from Vista Rus home for children, had been swimming together when 5 youngsters were swept out to sea by rip currents. Lifeguards swiftly rescued 3 young males bringing them safely to shore and they were not injured.
2 remained missing, a 16 year old and a 23 year old, males.
Lifeguards on a jet ski located and recovered the 23 year old who was found lying face down in the surf and the victim was transferred onto the NSRI sea rescue craft and rushed to shore with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts in progress.
Once ashore paramedics continued with extensive CPR efforts but despite all efforts being exhausted the man has been declared deceased.
A 16 year old male remains missing and the scene has been handed into the care of the Police Dive Unit.
Police have opened an inquest docket.
Alan Straton
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