A 37-year-old man died after he drowned trying to recover a crayfish trap between Hermanus and Gordons Bay, the NSRI said on Saturday.

National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the NSRI responded to eye-witness reports of a drowning in progress at Rooi Els on Saturday morning.

The 37-year-old was spotted by the Skymed rescue helicopter crew floating in rough surf conditions.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of death was suspected drowning, Lambinon said.

“It is believed that the 37 year old man from Ravensmead was crawfishing. It appears, according to eye-witness accounts that a crayfish trap got stuck in amongst rocks and while trying to recover the crayfish trap a wave washed over the rocks and swept the man into the surf,” he said.

An inquest docket has been opened. News4