A respected 80-year-old Bloubergstrand resident died on Saturday morning following an incident whilst sea kayaking offshore south of On-the-Rocks, prompting a major rescue response from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
John Flanigan, described as well-known in the community, was declared deceased despite extensive resuscitation efforts by emergency services.
Flanigan recently made history by becoming the oldest man to complete the iconic 7.5 km Robben Island to Blouberg swim, achieving widespread recognition within South Africa’s open-water swimming community.
Kayak capsized
Rowan Marais, NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, said the rescue operation began at 07:45 on Saturday, 31 January, following eyewitness reports of an unmanned sea kayak appearing to be capsized.
“NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew were activated following eyewitness reports of a sea-kayak unmanned and appearing to be capsized in the vicinity offshore south of On-the-Rocks, Bloubergstrand,” Marais said.
West Coast community coast watchers assisted with visual confirmation whilst NSRI rescue swimmers responded to the scene. The rescue craft JetRIB was launched from Small Bay.
Upon arrival, rescue crews found a group of swimmers offshore with the sea kayak. The swimmers directed NSRI crews to Flanigan’s location, where he was being assisted by a good Samaritan on a stand-up paddle board and additional swimmers. Several emergency services responded to the scene.
NSRI crews took Flanigan aboard their rescue craft and initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts. The craft returned to Small Bay, where NSRI medics continued CPR efforts alongside paramedics.
“Despite extensive CPR efforts, after all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, sadly he was declared deceased by paramedics,” Marais said. The South African Police Service attended the scene. An inquest docket has been opened.
Community praised for swift response
It appears Flanigan was paddling his sea kayak offshore of Blouberg beach during his regular morning routine when the incident occurred. The circumstances are still being determined, with Flanigan reportedly having paddled out to greet a group of regular morning swimmers, according to Marais. The South African Police Service attended the scene. An inquest docket has been opened.
NSRI commended both the SUP paddle boarder and swimmers for their swift assistance before rescue crews arrived, as well as the extensive efforts by NSRI medics and paramedics. The organisation extended condolences to Flanigan’s family and friends, noting that he would be dearly missed by the local community, NSRI and lifeguards.
