Three kitesurfers rescued after search for missing woman off Durban

A multi-agency search was launched off Durban’s Virginia Beach on Saturday after a female kitesurfer was reported missing, only to discover three Good Samaritans struggling in the surf while looking for her. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Durban duty crew responded to the incident at around 1:21pm on Saturday, 29 August, during routine training exercises.

Lifeguards from the Durban Undersea Club and rescue boats quickly found the two missing kitesurfers safe on the beach, both uninjured. However, while searching for the missing woman, rescuers encountered three kitesurfers caught in the surf, all needing assistance. Two local men were rescued from the water, and one kiteboard was recovered, while the third surfer managed to make it to shore safely.

The eThekwini Municipality had previously issued warnings about dangerous coastal conditions, with strong southerly to south-westerly winds expected to reach 30-40km/h, gusting up to 70km/h, and waves up to 4.5 meters high. Beachgoers, anglers, and ocean users were advised to stay away from the beaches, coastal rocks, piers, and shoreline areas.

Motorists were also warned about exposed roads, and small to medium-sized vessels were advised to remain in safe harbors. The NSRI confirmed that all kitesurfers, kites, and boards involved in the incident were eventually accounted for, and no injuries occurred during the rescue.