Nkululeko “Chillies” Mphehlule, age 39, survived a very scary shark bite while diving recently; his community is giving thanks to the fast-acting rescue services that came to his aid.
Nkululeko, South Africa (07 May 2023) – Warren Hudson living in the Tshani Village in Nkululeko, Wild Coast shared the harrowing tale of Nkululeko “Chillies” Mphehlule who survived a shark bite this week. He and the community shared thanks to the emergency teams that answered the call for help in the remote village. The village of Tshani in the remote hills of the Wild Coast, has very little access to the outside world.
Warren runs “Cool Bananas” and owns one of the very few cars in the community. He often helps when an emergency arises. In this case, though, they needed help from emergency services outside of the little village. News about the shark attack broke on the 1st of May and was widely reported in South Africa.
According to Warren, who gave some local insight, “Chillies” was diving off Secret Beach near Mngcibe village just north of the Mdumbi River mouth around midday on Monday 01 May 2023 when he was bitten on the shoulder. He had been trying to get away from a nearby shark that he had spotted. He attempted to swim away, but the shark allegedly accelerated toward him and grabbed him by the shoulder, he struggled with the shark for a few seconds before it released its jaws from him and swam away to the shore.
Chillies called for help and the community got him to shore and help was called for. Thankfully, the damage was not extensive and Chillies was in a stable condition while they waited for help.
“Help was summoned from a nearby holiday lodge, the owner of the lodge attended the scene and requested assistance via a local internet providers WhatsApp group and within a few minutes the NSRI had been notified and private vehicles were on there way to the beach.
After some great team work from many different role players, “Chillies” was on his way to the Clinical team at Zithulele Hospital while both the NSRI and Eastern Cape Emergency Medical Services had their helicopters ready to respond. EMS Mercy Wing 9 that was on its way to Secret Beach and was then re-routed by NSRI Controllers to head to Zithulele Hospital where “Chillies” was further stabilised, treated and then airlifted and flown to the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital at Mthatha for observations and tests to check bone and blood vessels” – Warren Hudson
Chillies is now home safe and sound, much to his mother’s delight. Everyone is very thankful for the fast-acting emergency services getting to him.
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