Cape Town – South Africa’s open-water swimming community is mourning the death of veteran swimmer John Flanigan, 80, who died after becoming unresponsive while kayaking off Bloubergstrand on Saturday.
Flanigan had recently made history as the oldest man to complete the 7.5km Robben Island to Blouberg swim.
According to the NSRI, he was assisted by fellow swimmers and a stand-up paddleboarder before rescue crews arrived and attempted CPR, both at sea and on shore, but he was later declared dead by paramedics.
He had been paddling out to greet swimmers during his regular morning session when the incident occurred.
“It appears that local well-known and highly respected 80-year-old John Flanigan was paddling on his sea-kayak, offshore of Blouberg Beach, and the causes of the incident are under investigation”.
“In circumstances still being determined, John was assisted by a SUP paddle boarder and by a group of swimmers that he had reportedly paddled out to greet on Saturday morning, during their regular morning swim and during his regular morning paddle on his sea-kayak.”
Police and forensic services are investigating the cause of death.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
