On Wednesday IPSS Search and Rescue received reports of a body that had washed ashore along Zimbali Beach in Ballito. A man had been walking his dog along the beach when he made the gruesome discovery of a body washed around in the shore break and immediately called for assistance.
The remains appear to be that of an adult man, but due to the level of decomposition it cannot be confirmed, IPSS said in a statement.
“IPSS Search and Rescue teams alongside SAPS (South African Police Service) Search and Rescue responded and recovered the remains from the water. The circumstances surrounding the person’s death will form part of an investigation,” they said in a statement.
Meanwhile on Saturday (January 6), two people drowned in separate incidents at Westbrook and Sheffield Beach on the north coast of Durban.
IPSS alongside CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) KZN and eThekwini Lifeguards responded to Westbrook Beach near Tongaat where a man, aged 25, had drowned.
“Reports from the scene indicated that an adult male got into difficulty whilst swimming in the ocean at approximately 4pm on Saturday. Despite a quick response from eThekwini Lifeguards on duty, the man disappeared under the water before they could reach him. Strong currents and rough waters made it difficult for lifeguards to locate the man,” said Nazir Sadack of CERT KZN.
IPSS Search and Rescue teams were called for assistance and launched a water craft to continue searching for the man. However, while busy attempting to locate the drowning victim at Westrook Beach, IPSS received reports of another drowning in progress at Christmas Bay in Sheffield, said IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick.
“Additional IPSS Search and Rescue units were deployed to assist KDM Lifeguards. Reports from the scene indicate that 16-year-old male got into difficulty whilst swimming and disappeared under the water,” said Ms Meyrick.
“KDM Lifeguards launched a watercraft and with the assistance of Search and Rescue personnel, conducted a search for the teen. Unfortunately, due to fading light, unsafe surfing conditions, both search operations were called off until the morning. However, we had no success the next day.”
