DURBAN - A KwaNdengezi family are mourning the death of a loved one who drowned at North Beach on Tuesday while socialising with cousins.
Phila Khuzwayo, 22, of ePitoli section in KwaNdengezi, was among three people who got into difficulty in the water. Two people were resuscitated, but Khuzwayo did not survive.
Metro Police’s Search and Rescue tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate Khuzwayo.
An official, who spoke to the Daily News on condition of anonymity, said: “He was outside the swimming area. He got into difficulty and disappeared below the water. The lifeguards immediately responded. Metro police worked together with lifeguards and paramedics to help him.”
The official said CPR was done for about 45 minutes, before the most senior paramedic at the scene declared him dead.
One of Khuzwayo’s cousins informed the metro police in the presence of the Daily News about what had happened.
The cousin said he had opted to stay in the car, because he did not have spare clothes to change into, while the others went into the water.
“About an hour later, I saw paramedics in the area. When I asked I was told that one of the guys had drowned,” he said.
Khuzwayo’s mother was told her son had been in an accident, but when she got to the beach she was told he had drowned.
The family could not speak to the Daily News as they were still in shock about the news.
Metro Police spokesperson senior superintendent Parboo Sewpersad confirmed that Search and Rescue members had responded to reports of a drowning incident on North Beach where CPR was in progress.
“On arrival members assisted with CPR on a 22-year-old adult male from KwaNdengezi until the arrival of advanced life support from EMS. Drips were set up and all drug protocols were carried out, CPR continued and defibrillation was initiated. Sadly, all efforts were unsuccessful and the victim was declared dead on scene.”
Daily News