Austrian tourist drowns in Wilderness

An Austrian male tourist has died following a drowning incident at Leentjiesklip Beach in Wilderness on Saturday, 31 January.

According to NSRI Wilderness station commander Jonathan Britton, rescue crews were activated at approximately 15:00 after reports were received of a drowning in progress.

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Alarm was raised

It was reported that three swimmers – a 21-year-old man, his 19-year-old female friend, and the 49-year-old tourist – were caught in rip currents while swimming when the alarm was raised.

On-duty George municipal NSRI lifeguards immediately went to their assistance.

NSRI rescue swimmers, additional George municipal NSRI lifeguards, Western Cape Government Health EMS, George Fire and Rescue Services, George municipal law enforcement officers and the South African Police Service responded to the scene.

The NSRI rescue craft JetRIB Ann Stratford was launched.

Upon arrival, municipal NSRI lifeguards were already in the water assisting the swimmers.

NSRI rescue swimmers and additional lifeguards entered the surf to support the rescue operation.

Brought safely to shore

The 19-year-old woman, who was initially caught in the rip currents, was able to assist in the rescue.

Her 21-year-old friend, a university student from Cape Town, was assisted in the surf zone by municipal NSRI lifeguards and recovered onto the rescue craft before being brought safely to shore.

The Austrian tourist was assisted in the surf zone by municipal NSRI lifeguards, NSRI rescue swimmers and nearby bystanders.

Together, they brought him to the beach where CPR was initiated and paramedics joined the resuscitation efforts.

Faint pulse

The man was transported by EMS ambulance to hospital in a critical condition after a faint pulse was restored.

Despite continued resuscitation efforts en route to hospital and after arrival, he sadly passed away during the night.

“Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Britton.

“Assistance and logistical support are being provided by the NSRI, the Austrian Consulate and local Southern Cape Tourism Assist, in cooperation with police.”

The South African Police Service has opened an inquest docket and the incident remains under investigation.