Missing surfer rescued at Buffels Bay
· The South African
A 33-year-old woman from George was rescued after being reported missing while surfing at Buffels Bay near Knysna on Saturday, thanks to a swift response by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and emergency services.
According to Jerome Simonis, the alarm was raised shortly after midday when the woman’s friends and partner realised she could no longer be located among surfers in the water.
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Challenging conditions
The woman had been surfing with three friends since around 09:30 in ideal but challenging conditions, with large waves rolling into the popular Garden Route surf spot.
After her friends returned to shore, they assumed she was still among several surfers visible in the water.
However, concern grew when most of the remaining surfers came ashore and it became clear that the missing surfer was not among them.
Her partner and friends immediately began searching the shoreline before contacting the NSRI for assistance.
Launched rescue craft
At 12:17, NSRI Knysna activated its rescue operation, launching the rescue craft Eileen Medway and JayTee IV.
Additional emergency resources, including a rescue helicopter, drone unit and ambulance services, were placed on alert.
Rescuers navigated rough seas and swells of between 3.5 and 4.5 metres through the Knysna Heads before reaching Buffels Bay.
Based on prevailing sea conditions and currents, crews suspected the surfer may have drifted towards Brenton-on-Sea and focused their search in that direction.
Their assessment proved correct.
At approximately 12:47, just 30 minutes after the rescue operation began, NSRI crews spotted a lone surfer sitting upright on her surfboard.
The rescue craft reached her and brought her safely aboard.
Treated for hypothermia
Medical treatment for hypothermia was immediately initiated while the rescue vessel returned to the NSRI base in Knysna.
Her partner and friends were informed of the successful rescue and met her at the rescue station, where she was reunited with them.
After being assessed by paramedics and responding well to treatment, the woman was discharged into the care of her partner and required no further medical attention.
According to the NSRI, the surfer had become separated from her friends and unknowingly drifted further offshore and towards Brenton-on-Sea.
Strong offshore currents combined with a New Moon spring tide prevented her from paddling back to shore despite her efforts.
Eventually, recognising that she was making no progress and losing energy in the cold water, she remained on her surfboard, conserving energy and staying calm while awaiting help.
Increased her chances of survival
Simonis commended her actions, noting that staying with her surfboard significantly increased her chances of survival and made it easier for rescuers to locate her.
The NSRI also praised the efforts of her partner, friends, fellow surfers and bystanders who quickly raised the alarm and began searching, helping to trigger the rapid emergency response that ultimately saved her life.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by strong currents along South Africa’s coastline, even during seemingly ideal surfing conditions, and highlights the importance of remaining with flotation equipment when in distress at sea.