A tragic day at Scottburgh beach as a community mourns the loss of 21-year-old Jamie.
Image: IPSS Medical Rescue
Social media users expressed shock, grief and condolences following a drowning incident which claimed the life of a 21-year-old woman in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, South Coast.
IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick reported that on Sunday, the service was alerted to reports of a drowning at Scottburgh Main Beach.
Meyrick said that according to reports from the scene, a 21-year-old woman was found floating in the water, unresponsive. Lifeguards retrieved her from the water and immediately initiated CPR, alongside members of the public, before first responders arrived.
“IPSS Medical Rescue continued with advanced life support resuscitation efforts, but sadly, despite prolonged efforts, the patient was declared deceased,” Meyrick said.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Scottburgh police have opened an inquest docket for investigation, with the circumstances leading to the death forming part of police investigations.
He said police responded to a possible drowning and found medical practitioners treating the victim, who was later declared dead at the scene.
Social media users identified the woman as Jamie.
Reacting to the incident, Raylyn Meth said: “Rest in peace, dear Jamie. Today (Sunday) is beyond devastating. Condolences, family.”
Thobani Jali said that around 4pm, the lifeguards asked them to stop swimming because the sea had become rough, but they insisted they were okay. An hour later, they were told again to stop swimming because the tide was starting to get high and the waves were rougher.
“I took my kids and left...sad to hear someone lost their life, but the sea was rough this afternoon (Sunday) yoh! Condolences to her family,” Jali said.
Purdy Cader-Van Der Merwe said: “My heart is completely shattered. What was supposed to be a relaxing day at the beach ended in reaching out to offer my support to this family that I did not know at all…
“To the families mourning, on behalf of me and my family, we offer our sincere condolences and prayers. It only dawned on me when I was at work what not only you guys but me, my family and the deceased family all had been through. It truly was traumatic and emotionally draining.”
Melissa Eybers said: “We were there today (Sunday) and witnessed the very unfortunate incident and tragedy, haven’t been able to stop talking about her since. Lifeguards, emergency personnel and others really tried and worked so hard to save her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, absolutely tragic.”
The Umdoni Local Municipality, as a precaution, temporarily banned bathing at Scottburgh beach.
Mayor Mbali Cele-Luthuli said the municipality will offer assistance to the family if needed.
“Our thoughts are with them as they navigate this painful tragedy,” Cele-Luthuli said.
Also on Sunday, a drowning was reported nearly a kilometre upstream of the Gonubie River to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) lifeguards at Gonubie Beach.
NSRI East London station commander Cathrine Prentis said a local teenager rescued the adult man, and BCMM lifeguards started CPR. Despite extensive efforts by lifeguards and paramedics who joined the scene, the 30-year-old man from Johannesburg was declared deceased. Police are investigating the death.
In another incident, the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre received a drowning report at Clifton 2nd Beach, Western Cape, activating the NSRI Bakoven crew and City of Cape Town water rescue network.
NSRI Bakoven station commander Bevan Geyser said an eyewitness reported a female surfer using her board to assist a man. On arrival, the NSRI crew found the surfer bringing the 23-year-old Angolan man ashore with community help. The man got into difficulty while swimming. A doctor and Community Security Organisation paramedics stabilised the man, who was then transported to the hospital by ambulance in stable condition, and is expected to make a full recovery.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za