Massive ‘freak wave’ kills 3 beachgoers, injures 17 others in South Africa

Three people were killed and more than a dozen others injured when a monster “freak wave” struck a packed beach in South Africa’s coastal city of Durban Sunday.

Emergency Medical Services spokesman Njabulo Dlungele said the wave slammed a group of swimmers against a pier at Durban’s North Beach at around 5 p.m. local time.

“Unfortunately three people, including a teenager, were declared deceased at the scene,” Dlungele added.

The EThekwini Municipality said that those who died were swept out to sea by rip currents and drowned.

At least 17 people were taken to area hospitals to be treated for injuries sustained during the incident. The patients were said to be in serious or critical conditions.

A monster wave struck a popular beach in Durban, South Africa, Sunday, killing three people.
A monster wave struck a popular beach in Durban, South Africa, Sunday, killing three people.
Facebook/Samwani Machipisa
The huge wave pushed swimmers up against a pier at Durban's North Beach and then dragged many out to sea.
The huge wave pushed swimmers up against a pier at Durban’s North Beach and then dragged many out to sea.
Facebook/Samwani Machipisa
Paramedics carry a person on a stretcher on the Bay of Plenty Beach in Durban, South Africa.
At least 17 people were seriously or critically injured in the incident.
AP

More than 35 lifeguards participated in rescue efforts, attending to more than 100 people affected by the massive wave, according to the municipality.

North Beach was closed in the aftermath of the deadly incident, and an investigation has been launched, local officials said.

Durban is usually a hive of activity around the holiday season, attracting local and international tourists to its beaches.

The wave affected more than 100 people, requiring the help of 35 lifeguards.
The wave affected more than 100 people, requiring the help of 35 lifeguards.
Facebook/Samwani Machipisa
North Beach was closed pending an investigation into the deadly event.
North Beach was closed pending an investigation into the deadly event.
Twitter

This year’s festive season is expected to attract many travelers eager to return to the beaches after the years when COVID-19 lockdowns and precautions reduced tourism in Durban.

The port city on South Africa’s eastern Indian Ocean coast has been gradually reopening its beaches after some were closed due to high levels of E. coli following devastating floods in parts of the KwaZulu-Natal province earlier this year.

With Post wires

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