By: Nosipho Haya-Komisa

Buffalo City Metro Municipality is calling on beachgoers to remain vigilant when swimming on their beaches.

This is after it has been reported that a 38-year-old fisherman drowned at the Cocoban coastal area in Westbank yesterday.

Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya has confirmed the incident.

“Buffalo City Metro is reeling with the news that a second drowning has been recorded over the weekend. Two fishermen have washed off the rocks in the Wesbank area yesterday,” said Ngwenya.

Ngwenya further said that the two men were fishing when the accident occurred and all the emergency services were called to attend to the matter.

“At about 7 am, the two fishermen were fishing off the coast of an area called Cocobana when the incident occurred. Emergency teams responded including the National Sea Rescue Institute and the South African Police Services, BCM Fire, BCM Law Enforcement, and Beach Rescue” Ngwenya said

He said that the metro emergency services could not save the life of the other fisherman as he was already dead.

“Unfortunately one was found drowned and the other injured his ribs. This is the second drowning incident on the Metro’s beaches in two successive weekends,” he said.

The Metro is calling on people to follow the rules and guidelines when swimming or fishing.

“With the sunny weather conditions, the Metro is signaling a warning to residents to be cautious on our beaches. People must not swim or fish during rough conditions and high tides. We are also calling on teachers to always be in the presence of swimming pupils during school tours.”