Three people have died after being hit by a large wave on a beach in the South African coastal city of Durban on Sunday, emergency officials said.
Rescue services “were responding to reports of an unusual wave that swept a group of beachgoers against the pier, causing multiple injuries,” spokesman Njabulo Dlungele said in a expression On Sunday evening.
“Sadly, three people, including a teenager, were pronounced dead at the scene,” Dlungele added.
At least 17 people were also taken to various medical facilities for treatment after being injured by the wave around 5pm.
‼️3 Confirmed death after mass drowning – North Beach, Durban. EMS was responding to reports of an unusual wave that swept a group of beachgoers against the pier, causing multiple injuries. Unfortunately 3, including a teenager, were among those pronounced dead at the scene💔 pic.twitter.com/3FPemwjLCr
— Njabulo Dlungele (@njabulodlungele) December 18, 2022
More than 35 lifeguards participated in the rescue effort and tended to more than 100 people affected by the massive surge, according to the community.
KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for a full inquiry and will determine what security measures have been put in place, South Africa’s Sunday Times quoted its spokesman Lennox Mabaso as saying.
“The details of the incidents are still patchy. However, it is believed that an unusual wave distressed many people while swimming and they tragically drowned. Seventeen others are reported injured,” Mabaso told the newspaper.
“The Prime Minister has called for a full investigation into this terrible tragedy. This includes fact finding on all safety measures… Dube-Ncube has directed that the priority for our province is the support of all affected families at this time of tragedy and grief.”
Durban is usually a hive of activity during the holiday season, drawing local and international tourists to its beaches.
This year’s holiday season is expected to draw many travelers eager to return to the beaches after years when Covid-19 lockdowns and precautionary measures reduced tourism in Durban.
The port city on South Africa’s eastern Indian Ocean coast has gradually reopened its beaches after some were closed due to high levels of E. coli following devastating floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal province earlier this year.
With Associated Press