City Samaritans rescue drowning teens
Can you help? Parents of teens rescued at Naval Island are searching for the people who saved their daughters on Saturday.
A DESPERATE effort by a group of unknown Samaritans saved the lives of two teenage girls at Naval Island in Richards Bay on Saturday afternoon.
Estelle Schutte (40), who had taken her young son for a swim, stood and watched in horror as Grade 9 pupils Sandile and Nomusa (surnames unknown) slipped off an underwater sand bank and disappeared beneath the swell.
‘I was absolutely shocked. One moment they were there and the next they were gone.
‘My adrenaline was pumping and I remember praying for them to be okay, and I asked God not to take them in such a senseless way.’
In seconds however, Schutte saw a man running into the water.
‘When he reached them they clung to him in a panic and also dragged him into the water,’ she said.
The man continued to struggle, but could not reach the safety of shore.
‘Right then a small boat was passing nearby, and a number of us on the beach waved frantically to attract the occupants’ attention. They noticed us and sped over.’
With the help of the two men on the boat, the girls were dragged from the water and taken to shore.
Nomusa was completely unresponsive after having spent at least three minutes underwater.
Fortunately, another bystander who happened to be a trained paramedic, rushed to their aid.
Schutte, a qualified nurse, also sprung into action.
‘The paramedic, whose name is Linda, administered CPR to Nomusa. I asked if I could help and she told me to look after Sandile.’
Before resuscitation was necessary, Sandile began throwing up water, but was drifting in and out of consciousness.
‘Linda managed to get Nomusa breathing again, but we realised the ambulance would take too long to reach them.’
Another bystander joined the rescue effort by offering to take the girls to hospital in his bakkie.
‘They met the ambulance halfway and the girls were taken to Ngwelezana Hospital in a serious condition.’
‘It was a miracle. Everyone was just in the right place at the right time, otherwise these two girls would be dead.’
Safe and sound
After a sleepless night, Schutte went to visit both girls the next day and was greeted with a warm smile.
‘It felt amazing to see Nomusa smile, and I just felt so relieved.’
Nomusa has since been discharged, while Sandile is still very weak and will remain in hospital for a while.
The parents of both girls are now seeking the identify all the ‘mystery’ Samaritans who helped rescue their children to give thanks.
‘Everything was so rushed, I can only remember Linda’s name but not her surname. The parents really want to meet everyone who assisted to say thank you.’
Those involved in the rescue can contact Kyle at the Zululand Observer on 035 7990500 or send an email to journo3@zululandobserver.co.za.
