The Port Edward community are in awe of the actions of 50 bystanders who came together to help save a young man’s life by forming a human chain into the ocean.
Port Edward, South Africa (04 December 2023) – Gert du Plessis, NSRI Port Edward Station 32 Commander shared the awe-inspiring tale of a drowning rescue on Glenmore Beach that involved around 50 bystanders who formed a human chain.
The team had received notice of a drowning in progress and NSRI Port Edward rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene while the NSRI Port Edward rescue vehicle, EMRS (KZN Government Health EMS), the SA Police Services and Police Search and Rescue made their way to the beach.
When they arrived at Glenmore Beach, the 20-year-old man was already out of the water, what the team heard next is something truly heroic.
“Two locals, Phakamani Ngeleka, age 20 and Muqobi Ngeleka, age 16, had launched into the surf with 2 NSRI pink rescue buoys, that are stationed at Glenmore Beach, and they had used the pink buoys to help to keep the casualty afloat.
Another local man, Sphiwe Mbele, a former lifeguard, had also launched into the surfline to assist.
While they were gradually bringing the casualty towards the shore through the surfline, using the pink buoys to aid in their floatation, at least 50 bystanders, teenagers and adults, males and females, had formed a human chain from the beach into the water.
As the 3 rescuers reached the human chain, the bystanders used that human chain to help to get the casualty out the water.
Eye-witness reports have verified this remarkable community effort, the forming of a human chain, together with the Good Samaritans using 2 NSRI pink rescue buoys, contributed to saving the man’s life and is highly commended.” – Gert du Plessis
The young man was treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms and later released from hospital. This was one of the most spectacular shows of community care. The Port Edward community should be proud of the calibre of its residents.
This rescue was one of many successful rescues over the weekend. Remember to stay beach-safe this holiday season; you can find all the tips needed here.