Two teenagers die in De Bakke Beach rip current tragedy
· The South African
A tragic weekend drowning incident at De Bakke Beach has claimed the lives of two local teenagers after they were swept out to sea by powerful rip currents.
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According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), emergency crews were activated at around 16:00 on Saturday following reports of swimmers in distress.
Good Samaritan’s brave rescue attempt
A local man on a body board noticed an 18-year-old female and a 15-year-old male struggling in the surf and rushed to help.
He managed to reach the young woman, who was found unresponsive in the water, and brought her onto his board before NSRI rescue crews arrived to assist.
The teenager was transported to shore, where paramedics immediately began CPR, but despite extensive efforts, she was declared dead at the scene.
Massive search for missing boy
A large-scale search operation was launched for the missing 15-year-old boy, involving:
- NSRI rescue swimmers
- Rescue craft
- South African Police Service divers
- Private drones
- Thermal drone support
- Local emergency services
The search continued into Saturday night.
On Sunday morning, police divers recovered a body believed to be that of the missing boy in the same area.
Formal identification procedures are under way.
Group of friends at beach
Authorities believe the two victims were part of a group of five youngsters visiting the beach when the pair were caught in rip currents while swimming.
Police have opened an inquest docket into the incident.
Community mourning
The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Mossel Bay community, with condolences extended to the families and friends of both teenagers.
The tragedy also serves as another stark reminder of the dangers posed by rip currents along South Africa’s coastline, particularly during busy holiday and weekend periods.
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