Three people died after being hit by a large wave on a beach in the South African port city of Durban on Sunday, emergency officials said.
said emergency spokesman Ngapolo Dlongile in North Beach statement Sunday night.
“Unfortunately, three people, including a teenager, were declared dead at the scene,” added Dlungele.
At least 17 people were also taken to several medical facilities to receive treatment after they were injured by the wave that hit around 5 pm.
‼️3 deaths after mass drowning – North Beach, Durban. EMS responded to reports of a strange wave that swept across a group of beachgoers on a pier causing multiple injuries. Unfortunately, 3 including a teenager were among those who were declared dead at the scene pic.twitter.com/3FPemwjLCr
– Njabulo Dlungele (@njabulodlungele) December 18, 2022
More than 35 lifeguards were involved in the rescue effort, caring for more than 100 people affected by the huge wave, according to the municipality.
KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Nomosa Dube Ncube has called for a full investigation and will determine the safety measures in place in South Africa. Sunday times It quoted its spokesman Lennox Mabasu as saying.
Details of the incidents are still vague. However, it is believed that a strange wave caused many people to become distressed while swimming and tragically drowned. Mabasu told the newspaper that 17 others were wounded.
The Prime Minister has called for a full investigation into this terrible tragedy. This will include fact-finding on all safety measures… I have directed Dube-Ncube to prioritize support to all affected families at this time of tragedy and grief for our county.”
Usually a hive of activity in the holiday season, Durban attracts both domestic and international tourists to its shores.
This year’s festive season is expected to attract many travelers eager to return to the beaches after years when Covid-19 lockdowns and precautions slashed tourism in Durban.
The port city on South Africa’s Indian Ocean’s eastern coast has gradually reopened its beaches after closing some due to high levels of E. coli bacteria following devastating floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal province earlier this year.
With the Associated Press
