WES-KAAP. – John Flanigan (80), ‘n bekende in swemkringe en leier van die Topaz Swimming Buddies, is Saterdagoggend ná ’n voorval op see suid van On-the-Rocks by Bloubergstrand oorlede. Flanigan word onder meer onthou as die oudste persoon wat onlangs van Robbeneiland tot Bloubergstrand geswem het.
Craig Lambinon, NSRI-woordvoerder, sê luidens ‘n verklaring deur Rowan Marais, stasiebevelvoerder van NSRI Melkbosstrand, het ‘n ooggetuie kort voor 08:00 ‘n onbemande kajak wat omgeslaan het, opgemerk. Kuswagte in die Weskus-gemeenskap is ontbied om te help met visuele waarneming. Verskeie NSRI-rolspelers is ontplooi en ‘n vaartuig is te water gelaat.
’n Groep swemmers is by die kajak aangetref. Die swemmers het aangedui dat die man wat op die kajak was, verder in die see deur ’n vroulike weldoener op ’n SUP (staanplank) en ander swemmers bygestaan word, maar dat hy nie reageer nie.
Die NSRI-boot is na die toneel waar die man aan boord geneem is en KPR toegepas is. By Small Bay is die reddingspogings met bystand van paramedici van Community Medics, ER24, Wes-Kaapse Regering Gesondheid, EMS, Netcare 911 en Kaapstad se brand-en-reddingsdienste voortgesit. Ten spyte van uitgebreide KPR-pogings is die man dood verklaar. Dit blyk dat Flanigan tydens sy gereelde oggendroei op sy kajak na ’n groep swemmers geroei het om hulle te groet, toe die voorval plaasgevind het.
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens was op die toneel en die liggaam is aan forensiese patalogiese dienste oorhandig. ‘n Geregtelike doodsondersoek is geopen.
Craig Flanigan het ‘n hartroerende boodskap vir sy pa op sosiale media gedeel: “Dad the day I have dreaded all my life finally came today. Saying goodbye to you will be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. The only joy I have is that you died in the place you loved with your heart and soul THE OCEAN. Dad you were not just a normal Father you were a freaking LEGEND you achieved so much in your life, you charged hard until the very end. Only a couple of weeks ago you swam Robben Island and became the oldest man to do so. Lately everywhere I look you have been featured on social media or on a radio station and in magazines. Just last night I called you and Mom to join us for coffee at Trecastelli but you could not make it as you were having beers with mates at Ons Huisie LOL. Dad besides all your amazing achievements and all the crazy adventures you took us on throughout our lives (that alone would take a book to write). Your greatest achievement was the absolute LOVE and respect you have from your family and friends. Dad you made me feel safe all my life, you had my back when I messed up, you bailed me out if I did something stupid, you taught me the importance of being kind to people of all walks of life, you were the most generous person I have ever known. I watched Gabriel the car guard at Ons Huisie sobbing his eyes out when they carried you away, he loved and adored you. You and I were not the greatest with our emotions, but you knew in your heart how much I loved and respected you and I know that you loved me. Rest in peace COASTIES knowing that Mom is taken care of and always will be. I have no idea how to navigate life without you, but you taught me how to be strong and be present for your family when they need you the most. RIP my Legend I Loved you more than you will ever have known.”
