Lifeguard rescues abalone poachers from drowning in Cape waters
Two suspected abalone poachers are lucky to be alive after a lifeguard rescued them near Big Bay over the weekend.
Two suspected abalone poachers are fortunate to be alive after being rescued by a lifeguard near Big Bay this past weekend.
Images shared widely on social media showed a female lifeguard single-handedly rescuing the duo who ran into trouble in the waves.
The courageous unnamed lifeguard dragged the two men safely to shore – while still wearing their diving gear.
The rescuer was later confirmed to be a lifeguard at Big Bay Lifesaving Club.
No criminal case opened
According to IOL, police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed Table View police were aware of the incident, but said no criminal case had been opened.
He said the rescued abalone poachers had launched a boat in Hout Bay earlier in the day.
“Table View police responded to a complaint of alleged poachers who were struggling in the water.
“According to reports, the divers launched into the water in Hout Bay on Saturday when they ran into trouble in the water.
“They decided to drop their equipment and were taken to Table View by the water current.
“No criminal cases were registered for investigation,” Twigg said.