Another Springbok family hit by drowning tragedy

A third Springbok family has been hit by a drowning tragedy in the space of less than a year.

Media outlets in South Africa report that the mother and aunt of former Springbok winger Breyton Paulse have passed away after an accident southeast of Cape Town.

According to Netwerk24, a devastated Paulse (46) has asked for prayers following the tragedy.

It is understood that Paulse's mother Setta Visagie and aunt Marie Gelant were washed out to sea by a wave at the old harbour wall in the town of Hermanus.

"NSRI Hermanus duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of 2 person's, appearing to be lifeless, floating in the water near to the Old Harbour, Hermanus," said Andre Barnard of the NSRI, South Africa's sea rescue service. "While responding additional calls were being received of 2 females washed off the old harbour wall by waves at the Hermanus Old Harbour.

"On arrival on the scene, just off-shore of the Hermanus Old Harbour, 2 adult females were located and recovered onto the NSRI rescue craft.

"CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts commenced. They were brought to the NSRI rescue station where CPR was continued by paramedics.

"Sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the 2 females were exhausted, they were declared deceased by paramedics."

The incident comes just three months after the wife of former Springboks head coach Peter de Villiers drowned in a swimming pool. The body of Theresa De Villiers (62) was found in a pool in the city of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth – on South Africa’s south coast in April.

In November of last year, the one-year-old son of Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis also died in a drowning accident just days after being baptised.

Du Plessis, who is a qualified doctor, played 70 Test for the Springboks and is the older brother of hooker Bismarck du Plessis. The tragedy rocked the South African rugby community.