Authorities are investigating two separate maritime incidents after a man was found dead in the sea near Lamberts Bay, while the search continues for another man missing off Cape Point.
In Lamberts Bay, emergency services responded to reports of a suspected drowning in the surf zone near Strand Street on Sunday afternoon. Police arrived at the scene where eyewitnesses had spotted a man floating lifelessly in the water, after which emergency services and National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) rescue crafts were activated.
“An NSRI rescue swimmer was deployed into the water from the rescue craft and the adult man, wearing only boxer shorts, was recovered onto the NSRI rescue craft where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced,” said NSRI spokesperson, Nicki van der Bank.
Despite their attempts, he was declared deceased. The man remains unidentified. Police have opened an inquest docket.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Lamberts Bay Police Station.
Search for missing skipper
Meanwhile, efforts continue to find the man who disappeared off the coast of Cape Point on Saturday.
Rescue teams in Simonstown were activated after reports that a fishing craft had capsized near Bellows Rock, Cape Point. According to the NSRI’s Craig Lambinon, a passing fishing vessel found the survivor clinging to a boat. He was treated for hypothermia. The survivor recounted his and another skipper’s experience, advising that the fisherman had disappeared.
“The local ski-boat had initiated a search for the missing man and was joined by at least an additional 4 local fishing craft and fishing vessels that had responded to requests for assistance,” said Lambinon.
According to the survivor, he and the 37-year-old missing skipper, set off from Millers Point early Saturday morning. After the vessel capsized, they clung to the hull before the skipper attempted to swim towards the shore, using a fuel tank as flotation.
READ MORE: Search for missing skipper enters day two
“He was not wearing a life-jacket and reportedly he used a fuel tank as floatation in his attempts to swim towards the shoreline. The fuel tank was located and recovered. Despite the extensive air and sea search there remains no signs of the missing man.”
Authorities, including SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services, are continuing their efforts. Maritime operators in the area are urged to remain vigilant.
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