A 28-year-old Ethiopian man from Atlantis has died in a drowning incident at Bloubergstrand Beach in Table View.  

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said it received a call for assistance at the beach at around 15:37 on Wednesday, after eyewitnesses reported “a drowning in progress”. 

“CoCT lifeguards, BBSL (Big Bay Surf Lifesaving) lifeguards, NSRI Melkbosstrand, NSRI Table Bay, Community medics, Netcare 911 ambulance services, ER24 ambulance services, WC Government Health EMS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the SA Police Services and CoCT Law Enforcement, responded.” 

The station commander at NSRI Melkbosstrand, Rowan Marais, noted that lifeguards were first on the scene, as several other rescue teams made their way there.  

“CoCT lifeguards, arriving first on-scene, assisted family members, of a 28 year old male, to recover the casualty from the water to the shoreline,” said Marias in a statement.  

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts ensued as soon as the man was brought to shore, but Marias said efforts were exhausted.  

“Sadly the man was declared deceased by paramedics.”

Authorities believe the man may have been caught in strong rip currents while swimming.  

Police have since opened an inquest docket, and the body has been taken into the care of forensic pathology services. 

Rescue teams have conveyed their condolences to the man’s family. 

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