16 saved from shark-waters

2008-04-13 18:12

Gansbaai - Local boats were at the forefront of a rescue mission when a 36-foot shark-cage boat capsized off Kleinbaai near here on Sunday with 19 people aboard.

Three men, two Americans and a Norwegian, died. There had been 10 tourists and nine crew aboard the shark-cage vessel.

According to witnesses, the boat capsized after being unexpectedly broadsided by a large wave.

When the NSRI and other rescue personnel arrived, it was estimated that of the 19 aboard, 17 had been pulled from the water by local private boats.

Five of the rescued had been taken to local doctors for treatment of injuries and one man was declared dead after extensive efforts by paramedics to resuscitate him failed.

Local boats brought in the remaining two passengers, both men, who were declared dead by paramedics.

The National Sea Rescue Institute at Hermanus was alerted to the capsizing at 10:15 and launched the rescue craft, South Star. They also sent out NSRI rescue vehicles.

Two women injured

Also on hand to help were the Overberg Fire and Rescue Services' Allouette III helicopter and Metro Red Cross AMS helicopter, both engaged in a routine rescue exercise in Hermanus.

The Overberg and Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services, metro ambulance and rescue services and the police services responded.

Of the five injured, two women were taken to hospital, one with a fractured foot and one with a fractured arm.

The NSRI commended the actions of local boats that rushed to assist the capsized shark-cage boat, bringing ashore all passengers and crew.

The NSRI's South Star was towing the capsized boat to Gansbaai Harbour.

- News24