CAPE TOWN – The Bloubergstrand community turned out in numbers on Sunday morning, forming a circle on the water at Small Bay to honour the life of John Flanigan (80) — a man whose life was defined by his love for the ocean.
Swimmers, paddlers, surfers, SUP riders, kayakers and beachgoers gathered opposite Ons Huisie to celebrate the man many described as the heart of their ocean community. For those who could not attend the paddle out, a memorial service was held earlier in the week at McPherson’s in Table View, with a live stream allowing friends and supporters from further afield to take part.
“Thank you to everyone who came down, swam out, paddled out, stood on the beach, and made it so special,” read a message shared with the community afterwards. “What a perfect send-off for John.”
READ MORE: https://tygerburger.co.za/john-flanigans-legacy-lives-on-after-tragic-sea-kayaking-accident/
Tragic sea kayaking incident
Flanigan passed away following a sea kayaking incident offshore south of On-the-Rocks on Saturday 31 January.
According to National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) station commander Rowan Marais, rescue crews were activated at 07:45 after eyewitnesses reported an unmanned kayak appearing capsized offshore.
NSRI rescue swimmers and the JetRIB craft were launched from Small Bay. On arrival, they found swimmers assisting Flanigan, with a good samaritan on a stand-up paddle board helping to keep him supported in the water.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated on board the rescue craft and continued on shore alongside paramedics. Despite extensive efforts, he was declared deceased at the scene. Police have opened an inquest docket.
The NSRI commended the swift response of swimmers and the paddle boarder who acted calmly and decisively while awaiting rescue crews.
A life shaped by the sea
Flanigan was widely respected in the open-water swimming and ocean sports community. Earlier this year, at the age of 80, he became the oldest swimmer to complete the Robben Island to Blouberg crossing — a remarkable achievement that reflected his resilience and determination.
A decade ago, he was diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), a rare lung condition that left him on continuous oxygen for nearly two years. Following a groundbreaking six-hour lung lavage procedure at Groote Schuur Hospital, he was able to reclaim the active ocean life he cherished.
Over more than six decades, Flanigan surfed waveskis competitively, raced Hobie and Mosquito catamarans, windsurfed, completed over 500 scuba dives as a PADI Divemaster, and paddled surfskis and sea kayaks along the coastline.
He also founded Topaz Swim Buddies alongside his wife of 58 years, Ann, growing a small WhatsApp group into a thriving ocean swimming community of nearly 450 members.
“The ocean has always been my sanctuary, my challenge, and my teacher,” he once said.
Community support pours in
In the wake of his sudden passing, friends and members of the ocean community established a BackaBuddy campaign to assist with immediate costs and to support Ann in the months ahead.
While the initial fundraising target was R50 000, donations surpassed R90 000 within days — a testament to the deep impact Flanigan had on those around him.
Organisers stressed that the initiative was not a request from the family, but a response to community members who asked how they could help. Any additional funds raised beyond immediate expenses will go toward supporting Ann during this difficult time.
As the paddle out circle tightened at Small Bay and boards gently knocked together in tribute, it was clear that John Flanigan’s legacy will live on — carried forward by the ocean community he built, wave after wave.
