A well-known and highly respected Bloubergstrand resident, John Flanigan (80), has died following an incident at sea while kayaking offshore near On-the-Rocks on Saturday morning. His death comes just a few weeks after participating as one of the oldest swimmers to conquer the Robben Island crossing. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated at about 7.45am after reports of an unmanned, capsized sea-kayak in the area.
NSRI station commander Rowan Marais said community coast watchers assisted in locating the kayak, while rescue swimmers and a JetRIB rescue craft were dispatched from Small Bay. “NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene while our NSRI duty crew responded to our NSRI Melkbosstrand station 18 rescue base and dispatched our NSRI rescue vehicle towing our NSRI rescue craft JetRIB which was launched at Small Bay, Bloubergstrand.” Arriving in the vicinity Marais said NSRI found a group of swimmers offshore South of On-the-Rocks, with the sea-kayak. The rescue craft responded to the scene and took the man onboard, where CPR was immediately started.
Shore crews and emergency services were also activated. Community Medics, ER24, Western Cape Government EMS, Netcare 911 and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services responded. The casualty was brought ashore at Small Bay, where paramedics continued resuscitation efforts.
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Despite extensive CPR, he was declared dead at the scene. South African Police Service officers attended and the body was handed over to Forensic Pathology Services. An inquest docket has been opened.
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