Joburg Man Drowns During Friends’ Outing In Gonubie

A 30-year-old man from Johannesburg has died after drowning in the Gonubie River in East London on Sunday afternoon.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed the incident on Monday, describing it as a tragic outing involving friends.

Teenager Pulls Victim from Water as Rescue Efforts Begin

NSRI East London station commander Cathrine Prentis said lifeguards were alerted at approximately 2.45pm.

“BCMM lifeguards, while on duty at Gonubie Beach, were alerted by a man running towards them, raising the alarm and reporting a drowning incident almost a kilometre upstream on the Gonubie River,” she said.

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Lifeguards immediately responded while notifying emergency services, including NSRI, ambulance teams and police.

“On arrival on the scene, BCMM lifeguards initiated CPR efforts on an adult male who had been rescued from the water by a local teenager,” Prentis said.

Resuscitation Efforts Fail as Man Declared Dead

Paramedics joined the rescue attempt, but despite prolonged efforts to revive him, he was declared dead at the scene.

“The body of the man, aged 30, from Johannesburg, has been taken into the care of police and government health forensic pathology services,” Prentis confirmed.

Police have since opened an inquest docket.

“Condolences are conveyed to family, friends and colleagues of the deceased man,” she added.

Friends’ Visit Turns Fatal in River Incident

It is understood that the victim was visiting the river with two friends, all colleagues from Johannesburg.

“It appears that three friends, work colleagues from Johannesburg, were visiting the river when we believe two of the men were swimming and one got into difficulties, disappearing under water,” Prentis said.

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Three local residents — an adult male and two teenage brothers — witnessed the incident. One of the teenagers entered the water and, with the help of his brother, managed to locate and retrieve the man.

“The local adult had run down to the beach seeking help and raising the alarm,” Prentis said.