A joyful outing turned tragic for a group of friends in Port Alfred when a 22-year-old man from East London lost his life while free diving in the Kowie River.
The incident occurred roughly 3 kilometers upstream from the river mouth, shocking the local community and leaving loved ones devastated.
Emergency Response Activated Immediately
The alarm was raised on Wednesday morning at 08:44 after the man was reported missing during the diving session.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with NSRI Port Alfred, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Gardmed ambulance teams rushing to the scene.
Two NSRI rescue boats, Rescue 11 Alpha and Lotto Challenger, were deployed, each equipped with trained medics ready to handle the unfolding emergency.
Search Efforts Intensify as Diver Fails to Surface
Upon arriving, rescuers found three men near their boat. Two had been free diving when one failed to resurface.
A friend had already entered the water to search for him, and NSRI rescue swimmers quickly joined the efforts.
The missing man was located underwater and retrieved onto one of the rescue vessels.
CPR was immediately initiated and maintained during transport back to the NSRI base.
Medical Teams Fight to Save Life
At the NSRI base, Gardmed paramedics, alongside NSRI medics, took over the emergency care.
For a brief moment, a pulse was restored, and the man was rushed to the hospital.
Tragically, he went into cardiac arrest during the ambulance journey, prompting continued CPR.
Despite extensive resuscitation attempts at the hospital, the young man was sadly declared deceased.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have opened an inquest docket to investigate the incident.
At this time, the exact reason why the man failed to surface while free diving remains unknown.
The NSRI expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased during this tragic time.”
