UK couple drown in Plett rip current

A British couple, believed to be tourists, appear to have drowned in heavy surf with strong rip currents in Plettenberg Bay.

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Cape Town - A British couple, believed to be tourists, have been found dead on Robberg beach in Plettenberg Bay. They appear to have drowned in heavy surf with strong rip currents

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The deaths of the two, a 28- year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, were confirmed by the Plettenberg Bay National Sea Rescue after efforts to resuscitate them were unsuccessful.

The deaths were confirmed by British authorities, which had contacted the families of the victims.

“We can confirm the deaths of two British nationals in South Africa on Friday 23 October.

“We are providing assistance to both families at this extremely difficult time, and will remain in contact with local authorities,” the UK foreign office said.

The circumstances in which they died remain unclear but the National Sea Rescue was alerted just after 4pm by a man walking on the beach who had found the body of a man in shallow surf on the beach, said spokesman Craig Lambinon.

Soon afte that, rescuers were told that another body had been found.

“While calling emergency services he then reported that two female walkers on the beach had happened upon the body of a female about 200m further along the beach in shallow surf.”

Lambinon said sea conditions had been rough with strong rip-currents in the area where the two were believed to have gone for a swim, shortly after arriving in the resort town.

Weekend Argus

Police said an inquest docket had been opened and no foul play was suspected.

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