A 26-year-old woman from Paternoster has tragically drowned after falling into the ocean while fishing from rocks at Tietiesbaai, located in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve on the West Coast.
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The incident prompted an emergency response from the NSRI St Helena Bay, NSRI Mykonos, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Western Cape Government Health EMS, and West Coast Medical Rescue.
Fell into the surf
According to reports, the woman had been fishing with her 26-year-old boyfriend and a male friend when she fell into the surf.
Her boyfriend attempted to rescue her, while their friend reportedly went to seek help.
Emergency medical teams treated the boyfriend at the scene for injuries sustained during the rescue attempt.
He was transported in serious condition by West Coast Medical Rescue ambulance and is currently recovering in hospital.
The woman was initially reported missing in the surf zone, triggering an extensive sea, air, and shoreline search.
A private drone operator assisted in the efforts and successfully located the woman in the water.
Resuscitation efforts
Guided by the drone, the NSRI rescue craft Rotary Onwards recovered her from the ocean and immediately began resuscitation efforts.
The rescue vessel transported her to St Helena Bay harbour, where EMS paramedics met the crew onboard.
Despite efforts to revive her, she was sadly declared deceased at the scene.
Her body has been handed over to the SAPS and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. An inquest docket has been opened.
The NSRI confirmed that initial reports of a boat capsizing were incorrect, and that the individuals involved had been angling from rocks along the shoreline.
Authorities have extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
