RIP | Stellenbosch man dies while surfing near Still Bay

A 61-year-old man from Stellenbosch has died after collapsing while surfing at Jongensfontein near Still Bay on Friday afternoon.

The NSRI Still Bay duty crew was activated at around 14:00 after receiving reports of an unconscious man in the surf zone at Sandstrand.

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Diverted to the scene

An NSRI rescue craft, Breede Rescuer, was nearby in connection with a local surfing competition when it diverted to the scene.

NSRI crew, medics and Western Cape Government Health EMS also responded.

The man had been taking part in the surfing competition when he reportedly collapsed and became unconscious in the water.

Fellow surfers recovered him from the water and brought him to the shoreline, where they immediately began performing CPR while raising the alarm.

Two NSRI crew members from the rescue craft swam ashore and joined the resuscitation efforts.

Additional NSRI personnel and EMS paramedics subsequently arrived and assisted with CPR.

Could not be revived

Despite extensive efforts by the surfers, NSRI rescuers and medical personnel, the man could not be revived and was declared deceased at the scene.

Police attended and the man’s body was handed over to Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

An inquest docket has been opened as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

The NSRI has extended its condolences to the man’s family, friends and members of the surfing community following the tragedy.