Six fishermen saved in heroic rescue at Doonside Beach [VIDEO]

Six people were rescued by lifeguards and members of the public at Doonside Beach after their fishing boat capsized on Sunday afternoon, 6 August.

The boat ‘Spurwing’ was making its way to the shore when the incident occurred. One of the engines is reported to have died, causing the boat to flip.

An eye witness confirmed all occupants were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

Christo Hugo was watching his son body boarding when he saw the boat about to come in. “I’ve always wanted to see how they come in, so I was watching closely,” he said. “The boat seemed to be hanging after getting through the first set of waves. Then a wave hit it on the side and it flipped.

“Everyone was wearing their life jackets, but all their stuff was floating around. My son, two of his friends and myself went in to help the people to shore. Lifeguards came running from Baggies Beach.

“One guy was caught between the boat and the motor, so I went to help him and put him in the recovery position once we hit the beach. Three others were in quite a serious state. Fortunately, one of the women on the beach was a nurse, so she took charge of treating them. I called the ambulance and two paramedic services responded about 15 minutes later,” said Hugo.

READ ALSO: Man survives being struck by capsized boat

Four people sustained minor to moderate injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals, while the other two declined to be transported to hospital.

Amanzimtoti beach manager, Jayce Govender was full of praise for the rescue personnel. “Well done to the lifeguards, paramedics and members of the public for assisting in the rescue and treatment of the people on the boat and the skipper for staying with the vessel, removing life jackets and making the crew’s safety paramount,” he said.

“He was brave to go under the capsized boat. It was a fantastic effort all round. We could have had six drownings, but everyone was saved.”