Teenager Tragically Drowns in Berg River, Veldrift

At 15h25, Friday, 26 September, NSRI St Helena Bay duty crew were activated following reports from WC Government Health EMS West Coast Metro Control of a drowning in progress on the Berg River, near to the Berg River Mouth, at Rooibaai, Laaiplek, Veldrift, on the West Coast.

NSRI rescue swimmers responded while the NSRI duty crew responded to the NSRI St Helena Bay station 44 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Santam II was launched. 

The SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and EMS ambulance and West Coast Medical Rescue responded.

On arrival on the scene it was found that a local 13 year old male was missing under water.

Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) were activated by Police Control.

2 local male divers, Good Samaritans, had entered the water to dive search while surface water and shoreline search efforts were conducted.

The teenager was located under water, under a jetty, and he was recovered to the shore by the Good Samaritan divers.

Paramedics medically assessed the teenager who was sadly declared deceased.

Police have opened an Inquest docket.

The body of the teenager has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.