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23 June 2023
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Cape Town Fire crews in swift water rescue Parow Canal during recent floods
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The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services rescued three men from the Parow Canal at around 12h30 on Thursday, 15 June 2023. The swift water rescue happened at the corners of Jan Van Riebeeck and Cloete Streets where fast flowing water in the canal adjacent to the railway trapped the three men on a ledge in the canal. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service said the emergency call was received at 11h20.
Carelse added, “Crews responded from Kuilsriver with a rescue vehicle, Goodwood with a fire engine, Bellville with a technical rescue appliance and two other units from Goodwood. In total, there were 12 Fire Service staff members on scene, excluding Metro Rescue/EMS staff and Law Enforcement.”
“The staff rigged a mechanical advantage pulley system to a non-motorised inflatable boat as the current was extremely strong. The operation was time sensitive as the water flow increased and the males were trapped on a narrow ledge under the bridge,” said Carelse.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said, “The problem was made more complex by the loss of communications, making decision making difficult, however they made use of hand signals. The first person was rescued at 12h28 and the other two at 12h38. Metro Ambulance staff treated the patients after being rescued.”
All three men were unharmed; however, they were transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance.
“I want to commend the City's Fire and Rescue staff for their swift action and skill in ensuring the safety of the three men.
We are proud of our capable and professional Fire and Rescue Dive Unit”, said Alderman Smith.
Carelse said that the challenges faced were the strong current and the three gentlemen being extremely anxious.
Sources: Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service; Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, City of Cape Town
Carelse added, “Crews responded from Kuilsriver with a rescue vehicle, Goodwood with a fire engine, Bellville with a technical rescue appliance and two other units from Goodwood. In total, there were 12 Fire Service staff members on scene, excluding Metro Rescue/EMS staff and Law Enforcement.”
“The staff rigged a mechanical advantage pulley system to a non-motorised inflatable boat as the current was extremely strong. The operation was time sensitive as the water flow increased and the males were trapped on a narrow ledge under the bridge,” said Carelse.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said, “The problem was made more complex by the loss of communications, making decision making difficult, however they made use of hand signals. The first person was rescued at 12h28 and the other two at 12h38. Metro Ambulance staff treated the patients after being rescued.”
All three men were unharmed; however, they were transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance.
“I want to commend the City's Fire and Rescue staff for their swift action and skill in ensuring the safety of the three men.
We are proud of our capable and professional Fire and Rescue Dive Unit”, said Alderman Smith.
Carelse said that the challenges faced were the strong current and the three gentlemen being extremely anxious.
Sources: Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service; Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, City of Cape Town