Tributes are pouring in following the passing of a highly respected member of the Blouberg community, John Flanigan, following an incident at sea while kayaking on Saturday, 31 January.

Just three weeks ago, Flanigan, aged 80, became the oldest person ever to complete the Robben Island swim crossing.

According to NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander Rowan Marais, rescue crews were alerted at 7:45 am on Saturday after eyewitnesses reported an unmanned sea kayak that appeared to have capsized offshore, south of On-the-Rocks at Bloubergstrand.

Community coast watchers helped spot the scene, while NSRI rescue swimmers and crew responded. A rescue boat (JetRIB) was launched from Small Bay.

When crews arrived, they found swimmers with the kayak. They said a man who had been paddling it was further offshore. He was being helped by a woman on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and other swimmers, but he was unresponsive.

NSRI rushed to them and brought the man onto their rescue boat, starting CPR immediately. He was taken ashore at Small Bay, where NSRI medics and paramedics from several emergency services continued resuscitation efforts.

Despite all attempts to save him, he was declared dead at the scene.

Police and forensic services took over, and an inquest has been opened to determine exactly what happened.

It is believed Flanigan had paddled out on his regular morning kayak and stopped to greet a group of swimmers during their usual swim when the incident occurred. The exact cause is still under investigation.

NSRI praised the paddleboarder and swimmers for trying to help before rescuers arrived, as well as the efforts of all emergency personnel.

The NSRI has conveyed its condolences to the family and friends of Flanigan.