A couple visiting from France got caught in a rip current, rescue efforts were established, and they even got to chat with one of the rescuers in French afterwards.
Plettenberg, Bay (01 June 2022) – A couple visiting South Africa from France got caught up in a rip current in Plettenberg Bay and after being rescued, got to experience the great hospitality of South Africa, when one of the rescuers chatted to them in their own language.
Jaco Kruger, NSRI Plettenberg Bay Station commander, shared that they were alerted to the couple’s distress after eye-witness reports were called in. The incident was reported to be taking place at Lookout Beach.
Jaco and the team launched the NSRI rescue craft to reach them by sea and a second team used the NSRI rescue vehicle and NSRI rescue swimmers responded by road. Thankfully, once the rescue teams arrived, the couple was safely back on the beach.
“It appears that while swimming they were caught in rip currents. The female was able to reach a sand bank while the man was swept further out to sea and he was waving his arms to raise the alarm.
An eye-witness alerted NSRI.
While responding to the scene both were able to get to shore safely.
Both were assessed by our NSRI medics and then as a precaution they were transported by NSRI to the Plettenberg Bay Mediclinic for observation for non-fatal drowning symptoms.
Following observation and some TLC treatment, they were released requiring no further assistance.”
They were deeply comforted by the NSRI crewmen that spoke fluent French. He provided great support on the beach as they recovered from their ordeal.
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