What began as a baptism ceremony at the Umgeni River mouth in Durban North ended in a dramatic rescue on Monday afternoon after a man was swept hundreds of metres upstream by a strong incoming spring tide.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said a security guard witnessed the incident and alerted two nearby bathers, who immediately went to the man’s aid.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon said Tony Botes, an amputee and member of the Crusaders Canoe Club, launched his surf-ski and paddled towards the man.
Botes reached him about 400 metres upstream and approximately 50 metres from the riverbank. However, the rescue presented its own dangers, as the distressed man’s attempts to hold onto the surf-ski could have caused it to capsize.
“The man was clearly in distress,” Lambinon said.
He said Botes realised that allowing the man to cling to the surf-ski could put both of them at risk.
Botes instead encouraged the man to remain calm and float on his back while he stayed nearby. He also explained that, as an amputee, he understood the importance of them helping one another without placing either person in further danger.
As the rescue continued, 18-year-old Cole Nienhauser joined the effort. He removed his clothes down to his shorts and swam out to assist.
After providing reassurance and encouragement, the rescuers managed to bring the man safely back to shore.
The man, who is a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church, was assessed by paramedics following the rescue.
He was not injured in the incident.