Drowning tragedy averted at Rocky Bay
The near-drowning had occurred on one of the girl's 13th birthday.
Local fishermen, Neeval Ramchunder and Rustin Naidoo, armed with a pink NSRI rescue buoy, saved a man from drowning offshore of Rocky Bay last Sunday (18th).
According to NSRI Rocky Bay deputy station commander, Linda Putter, the duty crew was activated at around 1.20pm following reports of a drowning in progress.
“On arrival at Park Rynie Ski-boat Club, we found an adult male in difficulty at the backline and he appeared to be caught in strong rip currents,” explained Mrs Putter.
Mr Ramchunder, a charter operator, was at the beach at the time and noticed the man in difficulty.
His immediate reaction was to grab the NSRI pink rescue buoy which was stationed at the Park Rynie Ski-boat Club.
He then launched into the water to assist the man.
Mr Naidoo, a commercial fisherman and former lifeguard, was also alerted of the near-drowning and he swam out to assist.
“Rustin is known for being a strong swimmer,” said Mrs Putter.
“Using the pink rescue buoy for floatation, Neeval and Rustin rescued the man and brought him safely to shore,” she said.
The man was medically assessed and, although he had no injuries, was exhausted from the trauma he had experienced.
It is believed that the man is a Phoenix resident and was picnicking in Park Rynie with his family.
He had decided to go into the water for a swim, but was quickly caught in rip currents which swept him out to sea, landing him in difficulty.
The man was reunited with his family and they all thanked the two locals for their valiant efforts
Mr Naidoo, made similar headlines back in September of 2017 when he and another local, Reinhart Kerkhof, saved two teenage girls from drowning at Rocky Bay.
The near-drowning had occurred on one of the girl’s 13th birthday.
The heroes were not only thanked by the young girls and their families, but were commended by the NSRI chief executive officer, Dr Cleeve Robertson, on a job well done, and received letters of appreciation.
The NSRI once again commends Mr Naidoo, as well as Mr Ramchunder for their selfless efforts.
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