Mauritius Coast: South African Tourist Rescued After 3-Hour Sea Ordeal

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, a rescue operation took place after a report was received by the Police Main Command and Control Centre about a kayaker missing at sea near Fourneau Island, off the southwest coast of Mauritius.

An police helicopter took off from SSR Airport at 3:00 p.m. to locate the missing person.

Although the Coast Guard (NCG) later found the kayak, the kayaker was still missing.

At around 3:20 p.m., the man was spotted lying on the sand of the island, exhausted. The helicopter was able to land on a narrow strip of sand to rescue him.

The man was weak and suffering from hypothermia.

The survivor, Andrew McLain, a 60-year-old South African tourist staying in Ruisseau Palmyre, was quickly flown to Rose-Belle Hospital for treatment.

Despite medical advice, he left the hospital on his own but later agreed to stay for observation once he regained his senses.

The rescue was coordinated by the Police Helicopter Squadron.

Source: Defi Media