Freak waves hit South Coast

Despite Ray Nkonyeni Municipality requesting the public to refrain from using the beaches after freak waves hit the South Coast, a group of people were stranded at the Uvongo Pier amidst strong waves on Tuesday this week.

Monstrous waves combined with violent winds damaged a number of coastal areas in the country including Marina beach and Uvongo beach.

These aggressive waves left over five people injured in a restaurant at Marina beach last weekend.
Sources say there was also a near drowning in Uvongo caused by the high tides.

In a statement, Kwazulu Private Ambulance Service spokesperson Craig Botha said they responded to Marina beach for reports of a mass casualty incident.

He said when they arrived, they found that a huge wave had crashed into a restaurant, injuring many patrons and washing one person out to sea.

“The quick reaction of lifeguards led to the person being rescued from the sea shortly after being washed out. Paramedics assessed all the patrons that had been injured. Five had sustained serious injuries. These patients were treated and stabilised on the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment,” said Botha.
After the disaster caused by the waves, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality spokesperson Simon April said beaches remain closed after huge waves struck and caused damage to shark nets and other infrastructure.

“Members of the public are advised to take extra caution when choosing to take a walk on all of our beaches,” said April.

Also, Umdoni Municipality in Scottburgh issued a statement informing residents and visitors that all water contact activities are currently banned at beaches under the Umdoni jurisdiction due to warnings of unusual damaging waves.

“For the safety of residents, we advise the public to refrain from the beachfront until further notice. Small vessels are also urged not to launch as they may take on water and possibly capsize,” read the statement.

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