A heroic rescue effort turned tragic on Monday morning when a Good Samaritan died while trying to assist a paddler who had capsized off the coast of Kalk Bay.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed that at approximately 09:42 on 28 April, their Simons Town crew was alerted to a paddler in distress about 150 metres offshore from Kalk Bay Harbour.

Eyewitnesses, including a Cape Town Traffic Services officer and members of a Table Mountain National Park communications group, reported seeing the man fall off his surf-ski.

Rescue resources including NSRI Strandfontein, Cape Medical Response (CMR), the South African Police Service, Western Cape Government Health EMS, and Cape Town Law Enforcement were quickly dispatched.

A local fishing vessel, Emily Marie, responded after hearing cries for help. Meanwhile, a 35-year-old local man jumped from the harbour wall into the sea in a courageous attempt to reach the paddler.

The paddler, a 57-year-old man from Green Point, was using his overturned surf-ski to stay afloat and was slowly making his way back toward shore. The Good Samaritan reached him but soon appeared to be in distress himself.

The Emily Marie arrived shortly thereafter and pulled both men from the water. While the paddler was conscious, the Good Samaritan was unresponsive. Crew members immediately began CPR as they returned to the harbour.

NSRI teams and CMR paramedics continued efforts to resuscitate the man once ashore, but despite their best efforts, he was declared dead at the scene.

The cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and police have opened an inquest docket. His body has been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.

The paddler was assessed and treated at the scene before being released, requiring no further medical attention.

The NSRI has extended its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. “Our thoughts, care and compassion are with all involved in this tragic incident,” the institute said in a statement.