Cape Town - Two suspected abalone poachers are lucky to be alive after they were rescued from drowning by a brave lifeguard in Table View.
Social media buzzed with excitement on Saturday as residents lauded the woman for single-handedly rescuing the two men she spotted in trouble near Big Bay.
According to posts on Facebook, the courageous lifeguard dragged the two men safely to shore with their diving gear.
“Saw an awesome sea rescue now by a lady at On The Rocks Beach,” one post read.
“She was an absolute beast swimming in that hectic current and dragging two grown men back to the shore.
“Well done, lady. The men were in full wetsuit and diving gear and armed response was there.”
The rescuer was later identified as a lifeguard at the Big Bay Lifesaving Club, but the club denied media interviews with the local heroine yesterday.
Meanwhile, residents shared videos of the heroic rescue, showing how she braved strong currents to get the men to shore.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed Table View police were aware of the incident, but said no criminal case had been opened.
He said the rescued men had launched a boat in Hout Bay earlier in the day.
“Table View police responded to a complaint of alleged poachers who were struggling in the water.
“According to reports, the divers launched into the water in Hout Bay on Saturday when they ran into trouble in the water.
“They decided to drop their equipment and were taken to Table View by the water current.
“No criminal cases were registered for investigation,” Twigg said.
Ward councillor Paul Swart said poaching along the West Coast is a major problem, adding that the strip of coastline between Blouberg and Melkbosstrand was particularly problematic.
“Melkbos is especially problematic as on a quiet night you can find up to 100 poachers in the water at one time.”
He said while poachers risk life and limb, many were also part of organised crime syndicates.
“They are not only poachers but they also carry firearms and are part of crime syndicates.
“Right now we are liaising with the national government and Members of Parliament to have the area between Blouberg and Melkbos declared a marine nature reserve to prevent the removal of any sea life in this area.”
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the poachers were lucky to be alive.
“It is a sad day when good people must risk their lives for people who are up to no good,” he said.
mahira.duval@inl.co.za
Cape Argus