NSRI-Plettenberg Bay station 14
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says a 22-year-old man has drowned at Nature's Valley near Plettenberg Bay.
Spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, says the incident happened on Tuesday afternoon when four men got into trouble in the surf at a spot adjacent to the lifeguard-protected beach.
He said Bitou lifeguards were alerted and they responded, using Malibu rescue boards, to assist the local men caught in rip currents.
Lambinon says during a search the man was located submerged underwater.
NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the surf and free-dived to reach the man bringing him to the surface where he was recovered onto the rescue craft.
Lambinon says all CPR efforts were exhausted and the swimmer was declared dead on the scene.
The name of the deceased, who is believed to be a local, has not yet been released.
The body was handed into the care of Government Health Forensic Pathology Services and an inquest docket was opened by SAPS.
