Three killed after high waves hit South African beach

The South African coastal city of Durban has closed its northern beaches after three people were killed when huge waves hit Sunday, emergency officials said.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) “responded to reports of uncharacteristic waves that involved a group of beachgoers rushing towards the pier and injuring multiple people,” an EMS spokesman said.

“Sadly, three people, including a teenager, were pronounced dead at the scene.”

At least 17 people were taken to various medical facilities after being injured in the waves, the spokesman said.

More than 35 lifeguards were involved in the rescue effort, treating more than 100 people affected by the huge waves, according to the city government.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Durban typically comes alive around the holiday season, attracting local and international tourists to its beaches.

After years of Covid-19 lockdowns and precautionary measures decimated tourism in Durban, this year’s festival is expected to attract many tourists eager to return to the beach.

The port city on South Africa’s east Indian Ocean coast has gradually reopened its beaches after closing some of its beaches due to high levels of E. coli following devastating floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal province earlier this year.