Heartfelt tributes pour in as Blouberg community mourns ocean swimmer John Flanigan

The Bloubergstrand community is mourning the loss of well-known resident John Flanigan,80, who died following an incident at sea while paddling on his sea kayak offshore south of On-the-Rocks on Saturday morning.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) confirmed Mr Flanigan’s passing, prompting an outpouring of tributes on social media from residents, swimmers, and ocean enthusiasts who knew him.

According to NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander Rowan Marais, rescue crews were activated just after 7:30pm after eyewitnesses reported an unmanned, capsized sea kayak offshore of Bloubergstrand.

“Despite extensive CPR efforts, and after all attempts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, he was sadly declared deceased by paramedics,” said Mr Marais.

The police also attended the scene, and the body was taken into the care of the police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

An inquest docket has since been opened, he said.

Mr Marais said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

"It is understood that Mr Flanigan was on his regular morning paddle when his kayak capsized. He was assisted by a stand-up paddleboarder and a group of swimmers whom he had reportedly paddled out to greet during their routine morning swim," he said.

The NSRI commended the swift response of the paddleboarder and swimmers, as well as the extensive efforts of NSRI medics and paramedics who attended the scene.

“John will be dearly missed by his family, friends, the community, NSRI, and lifeguards,” the NSRI said in a statement, adding that condolences were conveyed to his loved ones.

Mr Flanigan was widely admired for his passion for the ocean and his active lifestyle.

Just weeks ago, he drew widespread attention after completing a challenging 4-hour-and-30-minute swim from Robben Island to Big Bay, an achievement that rendered overwhelming community support.

Last year, Tabletalk profiled Mr Flanigan and his wife, Ann, after they founded Topaz swim buddies, a community initiative aimed at bringing people of all ages together to enjoy open-water swimming and the scenic coastline ("Topaz swim buddies makes waves in Blouberg," Tabletalk, June 26, 2025)

What began with around 50 members quickly grew into a thriving group of approximately 450 participants.

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