Paddler Rescued From Sea Near Bloubergstrand After Distress Call

Emergency services rescued a 43-year-old windsurfing paddler from the sea off Bloubergstrand on Tuesday after he was reported missing offshore, highlighting a swift response by multiple agencies.

A 43-year-old man was rescued from the sea near Bloubergstrand following reports of a distressed paddler on a windsurfing board. NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander Rowan Marais reported that emergency services were activated at approximately 3:13pm on Tuesday, June 16, after multiple eyewitness accounts described the man in distress near Ons Huisie restaurant.

The initial search operation involved NSRI rescue swimmers, the NSRI Melkbosstrand crew, and the West Coast Relief rescue craft. Big Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguards, the City of Cape Town's water rescue network, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Community Medics, Disaster Risk Management, Western Cape Government Health EMS, and the South African Police Service were also mobilised to assist.

An EMS rescue helicopter was placed on standby during the operation, and a rescue squad drone unit was dispatched to assist in locating the missing man. The West Coast coast watchers network also participated in the search.

Eyewitnesses reported that the paddler could no longer be seen from the shoreline, prompting a comprehensive sea and shoreline search to commence. During the search operation, the man was subsequently located among rocks at Kids Rock. An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed from the rescue craft and reached the man before bringing him safely aboard.

The man, suffering from hypothermia and in a serious condition, was brought to shore at Small Bay where paramedics treated him for hypothermia. He was thereafter transported to hospital by ambulance in a stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities believe he experienced difficulties while paddling on his windsurfing board. The windsurfing board was later recovered. The man is from Limpopo and is understood to be living in the Bloubergstrand area.

Rowan Marais commended all agencies involved in the operation. "NSRI commends the swift response and cooperation of all emergency services involved in this operation that contributed to the man's life being saved," he said. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon added: "This rescue highlights the value of rapid reporting by eyewitnesses and the outstanding cooperation between multiple emergency services. Their swift response and teamwork played a critical role in ensuring that this man was found and rescued alive."

Frequently asked questions

What happened to the windsurfer off Bloubergstrand on Tuesday?

A 43-year-old windsurfing paddler was reported missing offshore near Bloubergstrand on June 16 at approximately 3:13pm. Eyewitnesses saw him in distress near Ons Huisie restaurant and reported him missing. He was later found among rocks at Kids Rock and rescued by an NSRI rescue swimmer.

How many emergency services responded to the rescue?

At least nine agencies were mobilised, including NSRI Melkbosstrand, Big Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguards, City of Cape Town water rescue, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Community Medics, Disaster Risk Management, Western Cape Government Health EMS, and the South African Police Service.

What was the windsurfer's condition when rescued?

The man was suffering from hypothermia and in serious condition when found. He was treated for hypothermia at Small Bay by paramedics and transported to hospital by ambulance in stable condition. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Where was the windsurfer found during the search?

The paddler was located among rocks at Kids Rock during the sea and shoreline search operation. An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed from a rescue craft and reached him before bringing him safely aboard.

Source: tabletalk.co.za, novanews.co.za