Two people drowned by Hawston beach, near Hermanus in the Western Cape on Sunday, the National Sea Rescue Institute said.

“It was reported that lifeguards had entered the water to attempt a rescue. Law enforcement were already on the scene, and the SA Police Services and WC Government Health EMS also responded,” said spokesman Craig Lambinon in a statement.

“On NSRI Hermanus arriving on the scene CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts by paramedics were under way on a 41-year-old man, from Robertson, that lifeguards had rescued from the surf.”

The NSRI launched a sea rescue boat to search for a 17-year-old girl, believed to be the man’s niece, also from Robertson, who was still missing in the surf.

The NSRI found and recovered the body of the teenager from the surf, with paramedics declaring the girl dead.

“Despite extensive CPR efforts paramedics then also declared the 41-year-old man deceased,” said Lambinon.

“The bodies of the man and the teenager have been taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and police have opened an inquest docket.”

The families of the man and girl were being supported by police trauma counsellors. SAPA