By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springbok legend, Breyton Paulse, has asked the public to keep him and his family in their prays after his mother and aunt drowned at the Old Harbour in Hermanus on Sunday.
The confirmation followed a statement released by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) earlier in the day which confirmed the death of the two sisters.
In a statement on Sunday, the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Andre Barnard said a rescue mission was launched after two women, who weren’t named, were swept away by waves.
On arrival on the scene, just off-shore of the Hermanus Old Harbour, two adult females were located and recovered onto the NSRI rescue craft.
“CPR efforts commenced. They were brought to the NSRI rescue station, where CPR was continued by paramedics. Sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the two females were exhausted, they were declared deceased by paramedics,” Barnard added.
Paulse’s mother Setta Visagie, and aunt Marie Gelant were later confirmed to be the deceased.
Paulse told Netwerk24: “It is very sad. Pray for me and my family.”
The SA Police Services was activated and an inquest docket has been opened. No further details have been provided.