19 September 2023 , 07:59
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The moment a freak wave battered a beachfront restaurant, dragging patrons into the sea and injuring seven, has been caught on camera.
Footage shows an onlooker screaming "s***" as it crashes onto the front terrace and fills the area with several feet of water. Several customers seem concerned for a child in the restaurant as at least one person is seen dragged out to sea.
The incident happened at the Mariners restaurant in Marina Beach, KwaZulu-Natal State, South Africa, on 17 September. The Mi7 National Group, a state security company, said: "The initial wave crashed into the restaurant, pushing patrons towards the back of the building. When it receded, a few patrons were swept into the ocean. Luckily, they managed to get back to shore safely."
This incident was just one of several that have been reported in South Africa (Jam Press Vid/@trailbossenduro)
Several patrons seem concerned for a child in the restaurant (Jam Press Vid/@trailbossenduro)The security company said that the initial wave was followed by a rising tide, which continued to batter the restaurant. According to reports, seven people were injured in the incident, with five requiring hospital treatment. The Mi7 National Group stated: "The incident comes during a period of high spring tides, causing damage across coastal towns along the country’s east coast. We also caution against visiting KZN’s beaches for recreation until the tides quell and it is safe to do so."
The cameraperson said on Instagram: "I thought riding bikes was dangerous… try watching rugby at the beach! Condolences to John from the Mariners. We will come to help you clean up tomorrow.”One local asked: “Was the child ok?” The cameraperson, known online as Trail Boss Enduro, replied: “Yes, I started going for her but was battling to get through the wreckage. Two lifeguards sprinted from the far right of the beach and plucked her out. Very lucky indeed."
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In Leentjiesklip, a 93-year-old woman was killed (Jam Press Vid/@trailbossenduro)
Debris from the building on the beach (Jam Press Vid/@trailbossenduro)This incident was just one of several that have been reported in South Africa. The TimesLive reports that another restaurant in Kalk Bay was also hit by a large wave causing extensive damage but there were no injuries. In Leentjiesklip, a 93-year-old woman was killed and another man was injured when a wave crashed into a parking lot. The newspaper said that residents living near the coast have been warned to take extra precautions and to stay out of the water until conditions improve.
South African Weather Service (Saws) meteorologist Lelo Kleinbooi said the storm surge was causing an abnormal volume of water to accumulate against the coastline, raising the sea level and causing flooding. He said: "It's called a spring tide, not because of the season, but because the water 'springs' higher and lower than when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, causing less extreme tidal changes."