The body of an unidentified man was recovered from the surf zone in Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), its Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated to the scene at about 13:33 following reports from lifeguards, of a body in the water at Lookout Rocks, in the vicinity of Whale Tail.
It is alleged that fishermen angling from the shoreline had reached Bitou shark spotters nearby who said that they had witnessed a man floating face down in the water.
According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, it appears that the man had been witnessed going into the water from the rocks under undetermined circumstances.
Lambinon says lifeguards and Bitou Beach Control responded and on arriving on the scene requested the assistance of NSRI Plettenberg Bay.
NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew responded to the station 14 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Ray Farnham Rescuer was launched.
The SA Police Services and WC Government Health EMS were activated and responded.
On arrival on the scene, the NSRI and Bitou lifeguards secured the body of the man which was then recovered from the water onto the NSRI rescue craft. Sadly, the man was found to be deceased.
The body of the man was brought to the NSRI rescue base where EMS paramedics attended and the body was taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear and Police have launched an investigation into the matter.
“Anyone that can help to assist Police with the identity of the man and the circumstances surrounding this incident can call Plettenberg Bay Police Station 044 5011900.”
The NSRI has commended the local anglers that swiftly raised the alarm with Bitou Municipal shark spotters and the swift response and cooperation of all involved.
