The hero of Henties Bay, who single-handedly saved the lives of four smaller boys, is only a young boy himself.

 

The 15-year-old Phala Gaoseb said he was on the same beach as the five young boys who were swimming in the surf when the tragedy occurred. He said he was dozing off in the sun when he suddenly heard the anguished cries for help from the younger boys.

“They were shouting for help and all I could do was run into the surf to try and get them to safety. I got them out one by one. When I turned around to get the last little boy I could not see him any longer. It was the most helpless I have ever felt in my whole life and it makes me feel really sad that he drowned.”

The young hero said he had to go deep into the waves repeatedly and that the current was very strong. He went without thought or care for his own safety.

“When other people ask for help we should help them and that is all I did.”

Phala Gaoseb is a learner at the Welwitschia Junior Secondary School and resident of Khorixas who came to Henties Bay for the holidays. He is visiting with family who stays in the Omdel neighbourhood of the small holiday town.

On Wednesday, members of the emergency services from Life Link found Phala and the boys on the beach.

One of the little boys, a six-year-old was unresponsive, not breathing and had no heartbeat. After a resuscitation attempts, the child started breathing again.

He was immediately transported to the clinic in Henties Bay where a very dedicated nursing staff took over and the child showed significant recovery in their care. The little boy was later transferred to a Swakopmund hospital for specialist care.

The second child was responsive but was also hospitalised for observation and to ensure his safety. After the remaining two boys were examined by medical staff, they were deemed to be out of danger and gave back into the care of their families.

Ten-year-old Lee-Wayne Delwin Nanubeb, the fifth child is the little boy that tragically drowned. Members of the Namibian Police and other residents of the small holiday town were out along the beach most of Wednesday night to look for the child that was taken by the sea.

According to Barrine Blom, a resident of Henties Bay, members of the public used a boat, four-wheeler motorbikes and even a drone to help the police look for the little boy.

Deputy Commissioner Erastus Iikuyu, Erongo Regional Crime Investigations Coordinator, indicated that the remains of the ten-year-old boy that drowned still have to be found and said: “The search for the little boy’s body will continue.”


Sources: Facebook
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