Inspectors from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s Fisheries Enforcement Unit found themselves wading in the sea at Port Nolloth last Thursday when the tide unexpectedly rose and threatened to sweep their bakkies out to sea.

A video of the incident quickly gained attention on social media.

It appears the inspectors were positioned on the beach below the high water mark when they were caught off guard by the incoming tide. The area was covered in dense bamboo, which may have obscured their surroundings.

The video shows waves repeatedly striking the vehicles while the inspectors desperately try to hold onto them, attempting to prevent them from being swept away.

It’s uncertain whether the vehicles were eventually recovered from the sea.

The inspectors were part of an Operation Phakisa team, who successfully conducted raids in various Northern Cape coastal towns from Thursday, 13 February 2025, to Sunday, 16 February 2025.

The operation targeted marine-related crimes, drug proliferation, and undocumented immigration in Port Nolloth, Kleinsee, Brazil, Koingnaas, and Alexander Bay.

The operation focused on enforcing compliance with fishing and marine harvesting regulations while preventing illicit activities in the region. Law enforcement officials also addressed drug-related crimes and the movement of undocumented immigrants.

During the operation, multiple vehicle checkpoints were set up along the Port Nolloth/Alexander Bay and Port Nolloth/Kleinsee roads. A total of 107 vehicles and 211 individuals were stopped and searched. Four motorists were issued fines for driving without valid licenses.

Authorities also conducted thorough inspections at harbors, camping sites, and launching pads to ensure compliance with fishing permit regulations. As a result, mullets worth R800 were confiscated, and a business owner received a R1,500 fine for violating the Marine Living Resources Act.

In addition, law enforcement seized Afzal and Sahawi cigarettes valued at R30,000 after business owners failed to provide proof of purchase. Thirteen undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, and two business owners in Port Nolloth and Kleinsee were fined R2,500 each for employing illegal immigrants.