A missing female kitesurfer sparked a frantic rescue operation off Durban’s Virginia Beach before she was found safe, but three other kitesurfers were later rescued from the dangerous surf.
Image: PEXELS
A kitesurfing scare off Durban’s Virginia Beach sparked a multi-agency search on Saturday after a female kitesurfer was reported missing, only for rescuers to discover three Good Samaritans battling the surf while searching for her.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Durban duty crew was activated at about 1.21pm on Saturday, 29 August, while conducting routine training exercises.
Shore crews began searching from Glenashley Beach as rescue boats were launched. Metro Police Search and Rescue, the KZN Surf Rescue network and Virginia Airport air traffic control were also alerted.
Etienne van Zyl, NSRI Durban station commander, said the woman was believed to have overshot Virginia Beach while kitesurfing.
“It appears that a female kitesurfer may have overshot Virginia Beach while kiteboarding to Virginia Beach. Other kitesurfers had launched into the water to begin a search.”
The scare was soon resolved when lifeguards at the Durban Undersea Club confirmed the woman had reached the beach safely with another kitesurfer. Neither was injured.
But rescuers then spotted three kitesurfers caught in the surf zone, apparently after launching to help search for the missing woman.
Van Zyl said two local men were pulled from the water and one kiteboard was recovered, while the third surfer managed to reach shore.
“Our NSRI craft reached them, where two kitesurfers, adult males, locals, were rescued onto the rescue craft safely and one kiteboard was recovered.”
The rescue came shortly after eThekwini Municipality warned of dangerous coastal conditions.
The municipality said strong southerly to south-westerly winds of 30–40km/h, gusting up to 70km/h, and waves of up to 4.5 metres were expected.
“Beachgoers, anglers and ocean users are urged to stay away from beaches, coastal rocks, piers and shoreline areas.”
The municipality also warned motorists about exposed roads and advised small to medium-sized vessels to remain in safe harbour.
Van Zyl confirmed that all the kitesurfers, kites and boards were eventually accounted for.
“It was confirmed by the kite-surfing community that all kitesurfers and their kites and boards were accounted for, safe and there were no injuries.”
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