Former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse has asked for prayers for his family after his mother and aunt drowned at the Old Harbour in Hermanus in the Western Cape on Sunday.

In a statement on Sunday, the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI) Andre Barnard said a rescue mission was launched after two women, who weren’t named, were swept away by waves.

“On arrival on the scene, just off-shore of the Hermanus Old Harbour, two adult females were located and recovered on to the NSRI rescue craft.

“CPR efforts commenced. They were brought to the NSRI rescue station, where CPR was continued by paramedics. Sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the two females were exhausted, they were declared deceased by paramedics,” Barnard added.

Paulse later on Sunday evening confirmed to Netwerk24 that the two women were his mother, Setta Visagie, and aunt Marie Gelant, who were swept into the ocean after being hit by waves on the Old Harbour wall.

“It is very sad. Pray for me and my family,” Paulse told the website.

Police are investigating the incident.

Photo: Joe Alexander/Getty Images