Two teenagers were rescued from dangerous rip currents at Kommetjie Beach on Friday, March 13, thanks to the swift actions of bystanders and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
Dramatic Rescue at Kommetjie Beach
Dylan Rattray, a local resident working at a coffee stand on the beach, alerted others to the distress of the two young males. An eyewitness had already contacted the NSRI Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), prompting a response from NSRI Kommetjie and Hout Bay crews, as well as the City of Cape Town’s water rescue network.
Upon arrival, rescue personnel found that Good Samaritans had already brought the 17-year-old and 16-year-old local teenagers safely to shore. One rescuer had entered the water with an NSRI pink rescue buoy and began assisting the struggling teens.
Rattray joined the effort, grabbing a second buoy and wading into the surf. He handed the buoy to the older teenager, who was then able to reach safety with the help of the first rescuer. Rattray then used the second buoy to assist the younger teen, successfully navigating them through the treacherous waters.
Both teenagers were assessed by paramedics on shore but required no further medical attention.
The NSRI commended Rattray and the anonymous rescuer, highlighting the effectiveness of the pink rescue buoys, which have been used in over 256 successful rescues since the program began in 2017. The NSRI also reminded the public to only use the buoys in emergencies and to return them promptly after use.
In a separate incident that weekend, the NSRI Simons Town duty crew assisted a solo yachtsman whose vessel had suffered rudder failure. The yacht was successfully towed back to Simons Town with assistance from Telkom Maritime Radio Services.
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