Unidentified woman in critical condition after being swept off rocks in Sea Point apparently

An unidentified woman, who is believed to have been swept off rocks by waves in Sea Point, Cape Town, is in a critical condition in hospital after being rescued by the NSRI at least 500 metres from shore.

The incident happened this afternoon at Rocklands Beach. NSRI Table Bay was alerted by the City of Cape Town of a drowning in progress.

“It appears that the female was walking on rocks on the shoreline when it appeared that she may have been swept into the ocean by a wave,” the NSRI said in a statement on Tuesday.

This is the same site of the tragedy yesterday when a 58-year-old visitor to South Africa was tragically killed during a tandem paragliding accident. 

Several rescue teams responded to today’s drowning-in-progress, including the NSRI Table Bay and Bakoven rescue swimmers, SA Police Service, Netcare 911 and the province’s EMS rescue squad.

Paula Leech, NSRI Table Bay duty controller, said after initially catching sight of an adult female drifting about 200 metres off-shore, rescuers lost sight of her because of misty conditions and a heavy sea swell.

NSRI thanked Sport Helicopters who diverted their helicopter en route to the V&A Waterfront, to provide an aerial situation report.

During a sweeping line search, the woman was fortunately located about 500m from shore, but lifeless and in rough seas. She was pulled from the water and CPR efforts were started on the NSRI rescue craft. CPR was continued by paramedics at the Granger Bay Water Club, and the woman was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a critical condition where doctors and nurses are continuing with ongoing medical care in efforts to save her life.

Anyone with information that can assist to identify the female can call NSRI Communications 0823803800.

The eye-witnesses that raised the alarm, and the swift emergency response by all involved, have been commended.

NSRI are appealing to the public to take heed of the full moon Spring tide that causes higher than normal high tides and lower than normal low tides.

“During winter months storm sea conditions can increase shoreline risks during the full moon and new moon Spring tides,” says the NSRI. “This full moon Spring will last into the next few days.”