File
A 50-year-old Chinese tourist has died following a diving tragedy off the coast of Gqeberha
The National Sea Rescue Institute said their duty crew was activated on Sunday following reports from Transnet National Ports Authority of cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts underway on a dive charter boat heading to the Port of Port Elizabeth.
Station commander, Justin Erasmus, said they launched their craft, Rescue 6 Alpha, which was on routine stand-by at the IRONMAN competition, while EC Government Health EMS and Relay ambulance services were activated.
He said it appeared that the man had surfaced from a scuba dive unconscious and he was recovered onto the charter boat where CPR was commenced by the crew.
Erasmus said the NSRI rescue craft met the boat about half a nautical mile from the entrance to the Port.
“We found the dive charter boat crew conducting CPR on a Chinese man, a tourist."
He said while CPR efforts continued, the casualty was transferred onto the NSRI rescue craft and brought to the rescue station.
“After all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted sadly the man was declared deceased,” Erasmus said.
The NSRI conveyed a message of condolence to the family of the deceased.
