Nine boys were rescued from the raging waters of the Umfolozi River near Ulundi in a dramatic operation that lasted a few hours yesterday.
Paramedics from KZN Emergency Medical Services responded after receiving an emergency call and found the nine boys, aged between 8- 18 years, standing on rocks in the middle of the flooding Umfolozi river.
Trouble started when four of the boys tried to cross the river, which was at normal level. But when they were about half way through it, there was a flash flood and the water started to rapidly rise and the current became very strong. Another five boys then also become stranded while trying to rescue the boys.
The paramedics called for assistance from the SAPS search and rescue division, who responded to the scene. A member of the police rescue team had to hike up the river before entering the rapidly flowing water and swimming to each child to pull them to safety. This was an exhausting rescue for the rescue swimmer, and it took several hours to rescue all nine boys.
Once the boys had been rescued they were examined by the paramedics and fortunately all were in good health. They decided that they didn’t want to go to hospital and that they just wanted to go home as they were very hungry and tired.
Well done to the team, especially the police rescuers who showed extensive dedication and valor, to rescue these young men.
Members of the public are urged to be cautious when crossing rivers, even those that look shallow, due to the risk of under water obstacles and flash floods which can occur, especially in summer. Crossing a river alone is also not recommended. It is better to do so as a group.
Robert Mckenzie
Media Liaison Officer: Emergency Medical Services
