The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has confirmed a series of tragic drowning incidents at Pennington Beach and surrounding areas on New Year’s Day.

MASS DROWNING AT PENNINGTON BEACH ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

According to official reports, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) was alerted to a mass drowning incident at approximately 18:20 on Thursday, 1 January.

A group of beachgoers was caught in distress within the surf zone near the Pennington Beach tidal pool after being swept out by powerful rip currents.

A multi-disciplinary search and rescue operation was immediately launched, involving Umdoni Lifeguards, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Search and Rescue, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), and emergency medical services.

Current Status of the Pennington Beach Incident:

• Three fatalities have been confirmed. Two young males, both aged 21, were recovered on the evening of the incident, while the body of an 18-year-old female was tragically found at Bazley Beach on 2 January.
• Two individuals were rescued alive.
• Three young males, all aged 21, remain missing.

SEARCH AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS UNDERWAY

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre continues to coordinate search and recovery operations. Efforts resumed at first light on Saturday, 3 January, deploying diving units, boat searches, and shoreline patrols.

The MEC for Cogta in KZN, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, extended his condolences to the grieving families following the incident at Pennington Beach.

“Our hearts go out to the families who began the New Year with such devastating loss. We mourn the young lives cut short and hold in our prayers the families of those who remain missing. Our teams are doing everything humanly possible to bring closure to these households,” Buthelezi said.

Buthelezi also commended the swift response of lifeguards and first responders, who worked under perilous conditions, including high tides and fading light, to rescue survivors.

The Department has since urged all beachgoers to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of lifeguards and disaster management officials. As the summer season continues, the public is reminded to swim only in designated areas and be cautious of strong currents.

SAPS has opened inquest dockets regarding the deceased, while PDMC remains on high alert as search operations continue along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.