EAST LONDON, October 15 (ANA) – The body of a fisherman believed to have drowned after being swept off the rocks has been recovered from the sea north of East London, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said on Saturday.
NSRI East London, the Eastern Cape government health emergency medical services (EMS), the EMS rescue helicopter, and the SA Police Service (SAPS) were activated at 10.15am to respond to Morgans Bay following reports of a fisherman’s gear and personal effects found on the shoreline and a fisherman suspected to be missing, NSRI East London station commander Geoff McGregor said.
“A fixed wing aircraft, flying in the area at the time, joined in the search when a body was located off-shore of Morgans Bay by crew aboard the fixed wing aircraft,†he said.
“An NSRI rescue swimmer, who is also an EMS rescue paramedic, was deployed into the surf from the EMS helicopter and the body of a 30-year-old East London man was recovered to the beach by the rescue swimmer and confirmed to be deceased.â€
It was believed that the man was swept off rocks by a wave while fishing. McGregor offered the NSRI’s sincerest condolences to the man’s family.
The NSRI also warned that the spring tide would peak on the full moon on Sunday and the effects of this spring tide on the coastline would last for the next few days.
“Spring tide happens twice every month, at full moon and at new moon, and lasts for a few days over each full moon and each new moon and peaking on the day of the full moon and the new moon,†spokesman Craig Lambinon said.
Spring tides brought a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide and stronger than normal rip currents.
“The public, anglers, bathers, beach strollers, boaters, and paddlers are advised to exercise caution around the coastline during this spring tide and to be aware of rough sea conditions and the spring tide phenomenon and its affect on the coastline,†he said.
– African News Agency (ANA)
