At Clifton’s Second Beach in Cape Town, a woman, believed to be in her 50s, was found lifeless in the sea, leading to an extensive emergency response and an ongoing police investigation. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, has prompted an urgent appeal for information to help identify the deceased and notify her family.
Local open water swimmers first noticed the woman, described as wearing a floral two-piece bathing suit, a yellow bathing cap, and purple Speedo swimming goggles, floating face down off the shore. Their quick actions brought her to the beach, where CPR efforts were initiated by the swimmers and an off-duty doctor present at the scene.
Despite the immediate activation of the City of Cape Town’s water rescue network and the arrival of multiple emergency services, including NSRI Bakoven medics, NSRI Table Bay medics, WC Government Health EMS, and Netcare 911 ambulance services, the woman was sadly declared deceased after exhaustive resuscitation attempts.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the City of Cape Town (CoCT), has opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Formal identification of the woman is underway, with authorities working closely with the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.
In the wake of this tragedy, there has been a heartfelt outpouring of condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, alongside a community-wide call to action. The NSRI and SAPS are urgently requesting anyone with information about the woman’s identity or her family’s contact details to come forward. This appeal underscores the close-knit nature of the Cape Town community and the collective desire to provide closure and support to those affected by the loss.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with open water swimming and the critical importance of safety measures and vigilance while enjoying Cape Town’s beautiful beaches. As the investigation continues, the community holds onto hope that the woman’s identity will be confirmed soon, allowing her loved ones to begin the process of healing.
