17.2 C
Cape Town
Saturday, March 15, 2025

NSRI: Probe after man’s body washed ashore at Blokbaai

Published on

 

Police have opened an inquest docket after the body of a man washed ashore at Blokbaai in Hangklip on Sunday morning. According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), it was alerted about the body following eyewitness reports at 07:35.

 

Off-duty Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services officers, in the area at the time, confirmed that the body of an adult man on the shoreline was at risk of being swept out to sea during the turn of the tide, at low tide.

 

The SA Police Services, assisted by NSRI Kleinmond and WC Government Health EMS, recovered the body of the (at the time) unidentified man who was taken into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

 

According to NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, police have opened an Inquest docket and the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.

 

“Condolences are conveyed to the family and friends of the deceased man.”

 

NSRI New Moon Spring Tide warnings in place

 

Meanwhile, the NSRI has urged coastal communities and visitors to exercise caution during the upcoming new moon spring tide, which will peak on Tuesday 31 December 2024, as it significantly impacts tidal conditions.

 

What to Expect During a New Moon Spring Tide:

1. Higher High Tides: Water levels will rise significantly, reaching further up the shoreline.
2. Lower Low Tides: More of the seabed will be exposed as water levels dip below average.
3. Increased Tidal Range: The difference between high and low tide levels will be at its maximum.

 

Impacts and Hazards of a New Moon Spring Tide:

 

  • Rip Currents: Stronger tidal flows intensify rip currents, posing a risk to swimmers.
  • Coastal Hiking Hazards: Some hiking trails near the coast may become inaccessible or hazardous during high tide.
  • Fishing Precautions: Shoreline anglers should exercise extra caution, as higher waves may reach beyond usual safe zones.

 

Safety Measures to Follow:

To ensure your safety while enjoying coastal activities, the NSRI recommends the following precautions: Beach and Swimming Safety

 

  • Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches: To avoid rip currents, swim between lifeguard flags.
  • Be aware of rip currents: Rip currents are particularly strong during spring tides, especially during outgoing tides.
  • Stay informed: Check daily weather forecasts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and consult tide timetables.

 

READ MORE: NSRI: Body of missing man found at Sedgefield

Danielle Mentoor
Danielle Mentoor
Danielle is Smile FM's PM drive news reader. She has been in the radio industry since 2020 and started her career at a community radio station. When she's not keeping you up to date with the latest news, she's exploring the outdoors.

Latest articles

City winds sees authorities respond to 33,000 weather related incidents

  With the damaging strong south-easterly winds and wet winters that hits the province yearly, the City's Disaster Risk Management Center has noted a 200%...

Nearly 200 animals seized by SPCA from negligent rescue shelter

  The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has seized nearly 200 animals from an animal rescue shelter just outside of Atlantis after inspections revealed that...

Road Closures as Cape Town Carnival hits the streets this weekend

  Motorists can expect several road closures in and around Green Point this weekend as the 2025 Cape Town Carnival is set to hit the...