Three men were rescued at Swartkops after their rubber duck capsized in 2-3 metre swell at Swartkops River Mouth yesterday morning, 1 August 2015.
One man was assisted out of the water by local surfers and the other two by Blue Water Bay lifeguards on a rescue Jet-Ski. All the men were from PE. Two of them were unharmed but the third was transported to hospital suffering from a suspected spinal injury
Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said the NSRI was activated at 8 am and launched its rescue craft, Eikos Rescuer IV. The EC Government Health EMS, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Fire and Rescue Services, Blue Water Bay Sector Police, Blue Water Bay lifeguards and Coastal Rescue also responded to assist.
The casualty boat washed ashore on the western side of the river mouth and was recovered by Blue Water Bay Sector Police. No further assistance was required.
The surfers and the Blue Water Bay lifeguards who rescued the men were commended for their swift response.
(edited)
St Francis Chronicle 