A 17-year-old local teenager died following a tragic drowning incident near the Hermanus New Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.
According to NSRI Hermanus station commander Edrich Kotze, emergency services were alerted at 13:27 after reports of a drowning in progress along the cliff path close to the harbour.
NSRI Hermanus crews responded alongside CMC Ambulance Services, ER24 paramedics and the South African Police Service.
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Performed CPR
Upon arrival, NSRI crews found paramedics performing CPR on the teenager, who had been carried up to the cliff path by friends after he reportedly got into difficulty while swimming.
Despite extensive efforts to resuscitate him, paramedics were unable to revive the teen, and he was declared deceased at the scene.
His body was taken into the care of the SAPS and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an inquest docket.
The NSRI extended heartfelt condolences to the boy’s family and friends.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Kotze said.
“Our thoughts are with the family and all who knew him.”
