Local Cape Town Hero Drowns While Trying To Save Paddler In Kalk Bay

Tragedy struck in Kalk Bay on Monday morning, 28 April, when a local man drowned while attempting to assist a capsized paddler off Kalk Bay, reports Cape town Etc .

The 35-year-old had jumped off the Kalk Bay harbour wall to swim to the paddler after seeing that he appeared to be in difficulty on his surf-ski.

The 57-year-old paddler had reportedly capsized approximately 150 meters offshore of the Kalk Bay Harbour wall and was gradually swimming back in the harbour mouth, using his surf-ski to aid in his flotation.

At the same time, NSRI Simons Town, who had been at the rescue base conducting routine training, launched a rescue craft and deployed rescue swimmers directly to the scene while SAPS, WC Government Health EMS and City Law enforcement were activated.

A local fishing vessel, the Emily Marie, also launched its skipper and crew to assist after hearing bystanders calling out for help when the paddler capsized.