NSRI responds to shark and seal bites in Cape Town waters

In two separate incidents on Saturday 26 October, a man was bitten by a marine animal at Blue Waters in False Bay, while another man was bitten by a seal at Big Bay in Bloubergstrand.

NSRICity officials, lifeguards and emergency services are urging those swimming in and around coastal waters to exercise caution.

Swim at beaches guarded by lifeguards.

emergency call

At 13:00 on Saturday 26 October, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) water rescue network was activated following an emergency call to the area by the NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services – Fire Control. The CoCT 107 emergency number reports a man bitten by a marine animal while surfing in chest deep waters at Blue Waters Beach in False Bay.

CoCT ASLC (Alfa Surf Life Saving Club) lifeguards provided medical attention to a 65-year-old local man who was bitten on his hand and leg by (believed to be) a small marine animal that has not yet been identified.

The bitten man and those around him suspected that the animal might be a small shark.

The type of bite wounds are being investigated by authorities to determine.

WC Government Health EMS Metro Control dispatched Life Healthcare response paramedics, an EMS rescue paramedic, and an EMS ambulance.

Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and CoCT Law Enforcement responded.

Paramedics, Law Enforcement and Fire and Rescue Services joined CoCT Alpha Surf lifeguards at the scene, while SA Police Services and NSRI Strandfontein were alerted.

CoCT Alpha Surf lifeguards notified emergency responders that the man was out of the water, was in good spirits, was in his care on the beach, and lifeguards were tending to his wounds. He was walking injured.

The man was in stable condition and was transported to the hospital via EMS ambulance for further care.

It is commendable that Alpha Surf lifeguards quickly dealt with the incident.

Small seal bite

Later on Saturday it was reported by Western Province Life Saving, BBSLC (Big Bay Surf Life Saving Club) and Big Bay Events that a local male had sustained a minor seal bite injury while swimming in open water.

The man was advised to clean the wound and go to the hospital for further care and evaluation of the bite.

CoCT officials were informed about the incident.

Well playedNSRI.