Benoni woman rescues teenager at Cape Vidal as search continues for friend - IOL

A woman from Benoni went into the surf at Cape Vidal Beach to help two teenage friends on Saturday, October 3.

She brought a 14-year-old boy safely ashore. His 16-year-old friend was still missing when rescuers resumed the search the following day.

The boys, both from Mtubatuba, were visiting the beach with family when they appeared to be caught in a rip current.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) was alerted at 3.07pm.

St Lucia station commander Melinda Snyman said the woman had entered the water to help both boys.

Snyman commended her for rescuing the 14-year-old. “He is expected to make a full recovery,” Snyman said.

NSRI medics treated him on the beach for symptoms of non-fatal drowning and further examination while being transported to hospital.

The rescuers launched the NSRI’s JetRIB from the shore and conducted a search within and beyond the surf area. Another search along the shoreline was unsuccessful.

“Despite extensive sea and shoreline search efforts, there are no signs of the missing teenager,” Snyman said.

Police have opened an investigation.