Rugby players drown after freak tide in South Africa
Six rugby players have drowned after being caught by a freak current while swimming in South Africa.
Sea rescuers and fellow players tried to rescue teammates after the group were among 21 bathers caught up in the rip tide at Bluewater Bay, Port Elizabeth.
Despite 15 being pulled from the bay alive, one body has been found and five others are presumed dead.
Officials said the players from Motherwell Rugby Club had gone for a swim in the water to cool off after a training session when powerful currents took hold.
National Sea Rescue Institute station commander Ian Gray said: "All are believed to be aged in their early 20s and all five missing are believed to be members of the Motherwell Rugby Club."
Lifesaver Brendon Helm told South Africa’s News24 website he felt helpless as he and eight colleagues realised they would be unable to save everyone.
Motherwell Rugby Club’s manager Mcdisi Mazamba said: "Everything was peaceful, the sea was calm and they were up to their chests in the water.
"The next moment we just saw arms and hands in the air as the current swept them away."
The rugby players were training for a national competition next month.
Diane
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