A dramatic early morning rescue unfolded in Gqeberha after a security guard became trapped inside a flooded shoreline building near the North End Lighthouse during severe weather conditions.
According to Simon Williams, crews from the National Sea Rescue Institute were activated at around 02:30 on Wednesday, 6 May, following a request for assistance from the Transnet National Ports Authority security office.
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The 29-year-old guard had become trapped inside a building below the M4 freeway after floodwaters rose to waist height inside the structure.
Challenging rescue operation
NSRI rescue swimmers and Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Fire and Rescue Services responded to the scene, navigating floodwaters along the shoreline road for roughly 1.5km to reach the affected area.
The building was surrounded by a high barbed-wire fence, making access difficult. Although the trapped guard had the gate keys, the flooding prevented rescuers from opening the lock.
Rescue swimmers removed sections of barbed wire and climbed over the fence to reach the man, who remained calm and in good spirits throughout the operation.
Safe rescue
After fitting the guard with protective gear and a life jacket, rescuers carefully guided him through the floodwaters back to the gate area.
With the lock submerged and unusable, crews ultimately used bolt cutters to break it open and escort the man to safety.
Although cold and shaken, the guard was unharmed and did not require further medical assistance.
The rescue operation was successfully completed shortly after 05:00.
