3 rescued off rock after being trapped by high tide

Cape Town – Three people, including two children, were rescued after the spring high tide left them trapped on a rock at Pacaltsdorp, near George, the NSRI said on Sunday.

“The three trapped on the rock were shouting for help,” said National Sea Rescue Institute station commander Hennie Niehaus in a statement.

"NSRI Wilderness dispatched rescue crew to the scene and an assessment was made and found that although the rocks would not be completely engulfed by the spring high tide high it would be some time before the tide dropped enough to walk them across.”

The incident took place on Saturday evening when the tide came in as the trio - a man, 53, his son, 13, and a 7-year-old friend - had been fishing off the rock in front of the Blue Whale Resort.

"A rescue swimmer was dispatched through the surf to the rock, carrying throw lines," Niehaus said.

The three were then brought safely to shore in relays. 

They were treated for mild hypothermia.