At 18h46, Sunday, 13 December, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Alkanstrand, Richards Bay, at the North breaker wall.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene and the sea rescue craft Spirit of Round Table II was launched.
The SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue, Netcare 911 ambulance services and additional private ambulance services responded.
On arrival on the scene a local man, believed to be aged 32, was found to be in difficulty in the water near to the Dolosse. He had been swimming with his brother when they got into difficulty. It appears that they were caught in rip currents. The brother had managed to reach the shore and he was not injured.
NSRI rescue swimmers entered the water and rescued the man to the beach where CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were commenced by NSRI medics and CPR efforts were joined by paramedics.
Sadly, despite extensive CPR efforts, the man has been declared deceased.
The body of the man has been taken into the care of KZN Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
Police have opened an inquest docket.
Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.
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