Two German families are hoping to meet the American hero who came to the rescue of a teenager at Salt Rock Beach.
|||Durban - Two German families are hoping to meet the unidentified American hero who came to the rescue of a teenager who was in trouble at Salt Rock Beach on Wednesday.
Josi Verscher, 16, a Grade 8 schoolgirl from Munich, had got into difficulty when she jumped into the sea to rescue two family friends, also teens from Germany, who were floundering.
The drama unfolded between 10am and 11am when two German families, who were on holiday together, were enjoying a stroll on Salt Rock Beach
Without warning, one of the party, Valentine Uschold, 13, ran into the sea, apparently unaware that it was a no-swimming zone.
He encountered difficulty and his brother, John, 15, jumped in to rescue him.
The two teens were battling with the strong currents and Josi, who had no experience of swimming in the sea, dived in after them.
“I could not fold my arms, seeing him being swept away by waves. I quickly decided to jump in the water without realising the danger,” she said
The boys managed to pull themselves out, but Josi, who came close to reaching Valentine, was soon struggling.
“At about two metres away from him, a big wave hit me. I swallowed a lot of salty water and became dizzy after hitting a rock with my knee,” she said.
Meanwhile the boys’ father, Martin Uschold, struck out towards Josi but was swept away by strong rip currents.
Things were turning nasty for Josi, who said she had been on the verge of blacking out.
Watching helplessly from the shore were both mothers, Angelique Uschold and Uta Verscher. “Images of the scene keep flashing in my mind just like in the movies. I thought I was seeing her for the last time,” said Uta.
Then, just as tragedy loomed, the hero of the moment arrived. “We are grateful to an American gentleman for his help in rescuing my daughter. Beach lifeguards also arrived to help,” said the widow.
The man, only known to them as Mr Fraser, was passing by when he realised what was happening and quickly ran into the water to save the girl.
Both families said they were hoping to meet the man before they left for Cape Town tomorrow.
Netcare spokesman, Chris Botha, said paramedics treated the patients for near-drowning symptoms and they were transported to a Netcare hospital in Ballito where they received further medical treatment before they were discharged after lunch.
Bongani Xulu, of the Kwadukuza lifeguard association, said the family had been swimming in an area marked as a “no swimming zone”. He said the area had rocks and strong rip currents.
nkululeko.nene@inl.co.za
Daily News