KNYSNA NEWS - A 33-year-old woman from George who was reported missing while surfing at Buffels Bay near Knysna on Saturday 13 June was safely rescued after having drifted far offshore in rough sea conditions.

According to NSRI Station 12’s commander, Jerome Simonis, the rescue crews were activated shortly after midday following the reports that the woman had failed to return after surfing with three friends since about 09:30.

Her friends and partner initially believed she was still among several surfers visible in the water, but when they returned to shore and she could not be accounted for, an urgent search was launched and the NSRI was alerted.

NSRI Knysna deployed rescue craft Eileen Medway and JayTee IV, while the Western Cape Government’s Health EMS, a rescue drone unit and ER24 ambulance services were placed on standby.

Navigating swells of between 3.5m and 4.5m, the rescuers headed towards Buffels Bay and, based on the prevailing currents, concentrated their search in the direction of Brenton-on-Sea.

At about 12:47, the crews spotted the missing surfer sitting on her board and brought her safely aboard. She was treated for hypothermia and transported to the NSRI base in Knysna, where she was reunited with her partner.

After being assessed by the paramedics, she was found to be responding well to treatment and required no further medical attention.

It is believed she had become separated from her friends and was gradually swept further out to sea by some strong currents. Despite her efforts to paddle back to shore, she was unable to make progress and remained with her surfboard to conserve energy until help arrived.

The NSRI commended the woman for doing so, and praised her partner, friends, bystanders and emergency responders whose swift actions contributed to the successful rescue.

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