FUN turned into tragedy at a Durban beach.
This after three people died when a group of people were swept away by a freak wave at the Bay of Plenty beach on Saturday afternoon, 17 December.
Lifeguards and paramedics worked hard to save lives.
Tragically, three people died while 17 others were injured and rushed to hospital for medical attention.
eThekwini municipal spokesman Msawakhe Mayisela said they could confirm the deaths of three people.
He said it took a team of 35 lifeguards to execute a mass rescue effort and another team of paramedics to attend to the more than 100 people who were involved in the incident.
“Despite the best efforts of the emergency response team, three people lost their lives, with others transported to hospital,” he said.
He said the municipality was saddened by the tragedy and sent its condolences to the families of the dead.
KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said: “We are devastated by this sad loss of life. We have asked for an urgent report from our disaster teams and eThekwini Municipality.”
She said details of the incident were still sketchy at this point, however, it’s believed that a freak wave put many people into distress while they were swimming.
The premier has called for a full investigation into this terrible tragedy. This will include fact-finding on all safety measures in this incident.
Dube-Ncube has directed that support be prioritised for all affected families in this time of tragedy and grief.
This traumatic incident happens as thousands of visitors flock to enjoy themselves at various water recreational facilities at beaches and in the sea.
The premier has called on all authorities and operators manning the beaches and sea areas to ensure adequate and preventive safety measures are in place to avoid any further loss of life.
She also appealed to all visitors and beachgoers to follow all safety advice.
All visitors must swim in areas demarcated and protected by lifeguards at appropriate times.
The unpredictable weather must also be assessed before anyone takes to the beach or the sea.
