Man drowns at Table Bay harbour, 5-year-old boy rescued

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning of a man at the Port of Table Bay, Duncan Docks, on Thursday morning.

A five-year-old boy was transported to hospital after being retrieved from the water in the same incident. 

Just after 10am, NSRI Table Bay duty crew, City of Cape Town water rescue network and Police were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at D-Berth, Duncan Dock.

NSRI rescue swimmers, Transnet National Ports Authority, ambulance services and other roleplayers responded.

“On arrival on the scene a 5-year-old male child was found to be safe in the care of Good Samaritan bystanders and he was taken into the care of paramedics and transported to hospital by Netcare 911 ambulance in a stable condition.

“A search commenced in the water for an adult male, believed to be the dad of the child, who had reportedly gone missing in the water in undetermined circumstances - that are being investigated by Police,” NSRI said.

During free dive search efforts an NSRI rescue swimmer located and secured the man’s body. 

The body was brought ashore.

“Sadly the adult man was declared deceased and the body of the man has been taken into the care of Police and Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

“It remains unclear the circumstances of the incident. Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.”

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said Table Bay Harbour police registered an inquest for investigation after a man’s body was retrieved from the water on Thursday morning. 

“The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. 

“A child between the age of five and ten was taken to a medical facility for treatment after he was retrieved from the water. 

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Twigg said.

Anyone with any information on the incident is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Cape Times