-Edited by Bev Mortimer- Two local Plett boys passed on yesterday afternoon at Natures Valley Lagoon, Grootrivier, Natures Valley, Plettenberg Bay.
One boy reached the shore raised the alarm. It was reported that three local boys, aged between 8-10, on a kayak on the lagoon got into difficulty.
NSRI Plettenberg Bay STATION 14 duty crew were activated shortly before
3 pm following reports of a drowning in progress. Natures Valley NSRI
Coastwatcher’s were activated. An NSRI Plettenberg Bay ATV (All-Terrain
Vehicle), stationed at Natures Valley, was dispatched. The SAPS, the SAPS Water
Policing and Dive Services, WC Government Health EMS and Plettenberg Bay First
Responders responded.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded in the NSRI rescue vehicle while NSRI
rescue swimmers, nearby responded in their private vehicles.
Two NSRI rescue craft were and using the Spring high tide both were able to
reach the Lagoon Mouth to enter into the lagoon.
On arrival on the scene one boy was located and recovered from the
water. CPR efforts were commenced but after all efforts to resuscitate the boy were exhausted sadly he was declared deceased.
During a search a second boy was located and recovered from the water but he was
also declared as being deceased.
NSRI Natures Valley Coastwatcher’s were instrumental in quickly
evaluating and directing responding resources while assisting on the scene.
A counsellor assisted the surviving child who was then taken into the care of
his parents.
The bodies of the two kids were taken into the care of Government Health
Forensic Pathology Services. Police opened an Inquest docket.
Condolences are conveyed to family and friends.
