A 61-year-old woman visiting from Sweden has drowned in Mossel Bay after being swept out to sea. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 19 at the popular tourist spot, Oyster Bay at Pinnacle Point.
According to NSRI Station Commander Andre Fraser from Mossel Bay, at 3.54pm duty crews were activated following reports of a drowning in progress.
“The sea rescue craft St Blaze Rescuer and Vodacom Rescuer 4 responded and WC Government Health EMS, the SA Police Services, a Police Dive Unit, Police Sea Borderline Control and By Grace ambulance services responded,” he said.
The husband and wife visiting from Sweden were swimming in the shallow area when the woman was swept out to sea by rip currents.
“During a search the body of the lady was located and recovered onto our sea rescue craft before being transferred onto a Police Sea Borderline Control boat, at sea, and the body was transported to Mossel Bay harbour and taken into the care of the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an inquest docket,” said Fraser.
On behalf of NSRI, Police and emergency services involved in this operation condolences are conveyed to the husband, family and friends of the deceased.