In a devastating incident off the coast of Sea Point, a paragliding accident resulted in the loss of life for a Munster Rugby coach, Greig Oliver.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) responded promptly to distress calls reporting the accident on Monday 3 July.
Preliminary reports suggest that two tandem paragliders collided in mid-air above the Sea Point Promenade. One of the paragliders managed to land safely with both the pilot and passenger escaping unharmed. However, the second tandem paraglider activated a reserve parachute and landed approximately 200 to 300 meters off-shore.
Emergency teams, including the NSRI, SA Police Services, EMS rescue squad, and other agencies, swiftly reached the scene. The adult male pilot, who deployed the reserve parachute, was found safely on the shore and received medical attention for minor injuries.
Tragically, Oliver was found on rocks in the water off-shore. Dedicated NSRI rescue swimmers and paramedics rushed to assist him, freeing him from the paragliding gear and performing CPR. Despite their valiant efforts, the man could not be revived, and paramedics declared him deceased.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the rugby community as Greig Oliver, a renowned rugby coach for Munster Rugby. Oliver represented Scotland in the 1987 Rugby World Cup as a player and was an accomplished coach and father to Ireland U20 scrumhalf, Jack Oliver.
World Rugby expressed its sadness at the tragic passing of Greig Oliver, with the rugby community rallying together to support his family during this difficult time. Munster Rugby also extended its deepest sympathies to the Oliver family and the wider rugby fraternity.
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