Reptile expert and snake rescuer Nick Evans shares the extraordinary story about the brave rescue of a Southern rock python stranded at sea off Durbs coast!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (29 April 2026) – During a massive fishing competition off the Durban coast last Saturday, Dwayne Boshoff and his dad were out on the water when they spotted something large floating about 2.5km from shore, in line with the Durban beachfront.
It was a Southern African Python.
“On Saturday, while competing in a fishing competition, Dwayne Boshoff and his dad came across something large floating in the water. To their disbelief, and everyone who saw the video, it was a Southern African Python!” says snake rescuer Nick Evans, who shared the full story.
Instead of leaving it for dead, the father and son fishing duo made a plan to rescue the stranded snake.
“The father and son team didn’t hesitate, and hurried into action. Mr. Boshoff got the boat close enough, while Dwayne, who is not a seasoned snake-catcher, brilliantly scooped the snake out of the water, securing the sharp end and supporting the body. A very impressive capture in a difficult situation! They were not going to let the python die out there.”
Without a snake bucket on board, the python went into the vessel’s fish hatch. Dwayne’s brother Dean, a friend of snake rescuer Nick Evans, made the call. Nick and his partner, Dr Carla Goede, a vet with a special interest in reptile conservation, said they’d meet them on shore.
What followed was, by Nick’s own admission, not a normal rescue by any stretch or even a swim.
“The afternoon came, and the Boshoff boat came riding towards shore. However, due to its design, it wasn’t made for being brought ashore at this particular point. So, it was parked a bit away from the beach, meaning Carla and I had to go for a walk through the waves to get the snake. This was a first for us.”
“We thought we were going about waist deep. We went a lot deeper than that! Finally, we were pulled onto the boat by Mr. Boshoff, and drove out to calmer waters (not far away).”
Photo Credit: Nick Evans- Snake Rescuer
“Dwayne opened the hatch for us, and Carla reached in and grabbed the head, while I helped control the tail-end, making sure it wasn’t aimed at anyone.”
The python is at least 2.5 metres, a male, and in good condition. He went into the snake box, Dwayne swam it over, and then it was time for everyone to get back to the beach.
“Now it was time to swim back. Yes, this was not a normal rescue! We jumped in the water, which initially we couldn’t touch the bottom with our feet, so we were swimming, while pulling along the floating box containing the python. What an entertaining sight it must have been! Eventually, we could feel the ground, and walked the rest of the way, with a few waves saying goodbye to us from the ocean.”
Photo Credit: Nick Evans- Snake Rescuer
A crowd was waiting, and the beach was packed with 4x4s and boats from the competition. Once ashore, the priority was the snake.
“Worried about it being in salt water for a long time (we presume), we washed it down with freshwater, before putting it in a large enclosure with a huge bowl of freshwater. I don’t believe it drank much, if any salt water. I think it kept its head afloat. It will be monitored carefully and released soon.”
How did a python end up nearly 3km out to sea? Nick has two theories.
It either stowed away on one of the boats that came from across the country for the competition, or it swam down a river on the north coast, ended up in the sea, and was carried south by the current. Nobody will ever know for sure.
Photo Credit: Nick Evans- Snake Rescuer
Pythons are powerful animals; approaching one on land or at sea without experience is dangerous. Dwayne acted in an impossible situation, with good instincts. That doesn’t make it a template.
“Thank you so much to Dwayne and Mr. Boshoff for what they did for this snake. It was a true act of bravery and kindness. Thanks also to Dean for contacting us and being involved on the day. It was an experience to remember for us!”
If you ever encounter a snake and need assistance, contact a local snake remover or wildlife rescue organisation in your area. Do not attempt to handle snakes yourself!
Sources: Linked above.
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