Tanya Lotter, Jeannine Botha, Johan Pyper, Talitha van Wyk and Zander Botha told The Courier that they arrived in Ballito yesterday and decided to visit Thompson’s Bay shortly after 1pm – unaware that later that day members of Specialised Rescue Unit (SRU) would be braving both the darkness and massive seven meter waves to save their lives.
“The waves were quite big – but we didn’t think we had anything to worry about at the time,” said Pyper.
As the afternoon progressed though, it became clear to the five that they were trapped by the rising tide.
Zander said as the light was fading he saw a women signalling them with a cellphone from a balcony at Santorini and – using his lighter – signaled her back, hoping that someone would be able to help them escape the rapidly deteriorating situation.
