At approximately 17h13, the Marshall Security Emergency Dispatch Centre received multiple distress calls regarding an emergency situation off Beachwood, Durban North.
It was initially reported that a group of children were in urgent need of assistance after their boat capsized in the surf. According to the information received at the time, two occupants were believed to be unaccounted for and remained at sea, while one fatality had already been reported.
Emergency services and all relevant role players were immediately notified and responded to the scene, where a coordinated rescue and recovery operation was initiated. A trauma councillor was contacted to provide support to those involved and their families.
Subsequent information obtained from the skipper of the vessel indicates that the six occupants had been on a fishing excursion and were returning to shore after being beyond the backline when they attempted to outrun an approaching wave. A freak wave struck the vessel, causing it to capsize a short distance from the shoreline and throwing all six occupants into the water.
The skipper immediately assisted the youngest occupant, an eight-year-old child, to safety while the remaining teenagers managed to swim to shore.
Tragically, a 40-year-old male was unaccounted for following the capsizing. He was later washed ashore, where he was declared deceased.
All surviving occupants are currently receiving treatment and assessment from paramedics at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by the relevant authorities.
