AN inquest docket is under investigation following the drowning of a 21-year-old woman at Kiddies Beach on the Kowie River today.
Police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender said the incident occurred at about 12.05pm when a group of six children were playing in the water at the beach. The children, one male and the others female, were between 10 and 15 years old. They were in the water when they got into difficulty.
It is alleged the victim noticed that the younger ones were in trouble and tried to help them. In a panic they all clung to the older one.
Six bystanders who were close by noticed what had happened and went out to assist. All but one, the victim, were brought to safety.
Emergency services responded within minutes and the children were taken to a local hospital were they are being treated. One of the victims who is believed to be critical has been transported to a hospital in Port Elizabeth.
Brigadier Morgan Govender, the Cluster Commander of Port Alfred, expressed his shock and said today: “I am deeply saddened by the loss. My sincere condolences to the family of the victim who has passed away. We hold you in our prayers and wish the other little ones a speedy recovery. May the Lord grant you strength during this difficult period.”
Karen Romans of Holistic EMS thanked bystanders not only for rescuing the children but also for helping to carry them to the ambulances.
