A husband and wife got into trouble while trying to launch their boat at Salmon Bay, later capsizing in big swells on Thursday.
At around 8 am, the couple were launching from Salmon Bay as a set of waves rolled in from backline, said witness Jan van Wyk.
“They did not time their launch well and went out as a set was on it’s way in,” said KwaDukuza Lifeguard Superintendent, Bongani Xulu, who responded to the scene.
The boat got through 3 initial waves on its way out to sea but got caught up in a fourth, overturning about 50 m from the shore.
Ballito Skiboat Club members and KDM Lifeguards helping to get the boat back to shore. Photo: IPSS Medical Rescue.
Luckily, surfers were on hand to swim over and help the couple who trying to orient themselves after the boat had capsized, said Xulu.
Both were brought safely to shore, with the woman being attended to by paramedics. Members of the Ballito Skiboat club, lifeguards and onlookers helped to re-flip the boat and drag it back to shore.
“Thank you to everyone who helped in the rescue, we are just glad that the husband and wife are safe,” said Xulu.
