Freak wave hits Durban beach
24/02/2008 23:09  - (SA)  

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Durban - One man drowned and 18 others had to be rescued after being swept into the sea after a freak wave hit the main beach on Sunday.

The Durban NSRI and the Vodacom Netcare 911 surf-rescue helicopter were called out just after 15:19 after reports of a large number of bathers in difficulties at the beach.

The helicopter crew found lifeguards and police doing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on a man of about 40, but without success.

He was declared dead at the scene.

Lifeguards reported at that stage that one person might still be missing in the surf.

While the helicopter was searching for the person suspected still to be missing, it was confirmed that all those who had been swept into the sea were ashore.

Unexpected waves

Lifeguards had restricted bathers to wading in the surf because of rough sea conditions.

It appears that, with the rising tide, a set of waves unexpectedly swamped the beach, sweeping 19 bathers wading in ankle-deep water off their feet.

Lifeguards quickly pulled in most of them, apart from a few who had been swept further into the sea.

One lifeguard was taken to hospital after getting lacerations while rescuing victims. He is reported to be in a satisfactory condition.

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