Surfer saves uncle swept out to sea in vain rescue attempt

28 April 2016 - 21:05 By TMG Digital
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Big wave surfer Rob Caine rescued a Frenchman who was swept 300 metres out to sea clinging to a bodyboard in Cape Town on Thursday.

NSRI Agulhas responds to sinking boat
NSRI Agulhas responds to sinking boat
Image: NSRI via Facebook

Caine‚ a National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) coxswain‚ was first on the scene at Witsand‚ near Kommetjie‚ after the alarm was raised about two people in difficulty.

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said Caine found one person‚ believed to be a local male aged 15‚ safely ashore.

“Rob launched his surfboard into rough seas to chase after an adult man seen to be in difficulty and holding onto a bodyboard. He was being swept out to sea by rip currents in heavy‚ rough sea conditions.

"Rob‚ who is also a big wave surfer‚ reached the man‚ who is believed to be aged in his 30s and a Frenchman‚ approximately 300 meters off-shore in rough sea conditions and strong rip currents and was able to bring the man safely to shore through the surf‚” Lambinon said.

He said despite both being exhausted‚ neither the teenager nor the adult male were injured.

"It appears that the teenager had gotten into difficulty while surfing and his uncle‚ using a bodyboard‚ had attempted to go to his nephew's assistance but he had then gotten into difficulty himself in the very rough sea conditions.

"Rob is commended for his efforts."

The NSRI issued a storm warning advising boaters‚ paddlers‚ bathers and anglers to be cautious around the coast and on inland waterways as a cold front made landfall in the Western Cape on Thursday night.

"Big sea swells‚ storm conditions‚ and strong winds forecast to be gale force in places can be expected‚" said Lambinon.

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