Manie le Roux, NSRI Richards Bay deputy station commander, said: At 17h19, Saturday, 18 July, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Alkantstrand, near to Main Beach, Richards Bay.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the beach while NSRI crew responded to our NSRI Richards Bay station 19 rescue base where our NSRI rescue vehicle was dispatched.
The SA Police Service responded.
On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a 24 year old male, from Greytown, who had reportedly last been seen in the surf zone appearing to be caught in rip currents while swimming before disappearing under water.
Police Search and Rescue and Police Sea Borderline Control were alerted and joined NSRI and Police on the scene.
Despite an extensive search, using spotlights and shoreline patrols, there remains no signs of the missing man.
It appears that a local sports tour group, visiting Richards Bay from Greytown, KZN, for a tournament, were visiting the beach where some of the members were swimming when the man was swept out to sea before disappearing in the surf zone and the alarm was raised.
Police have opened an investigation.
The tour group are in the care of Police.
Police divers, Police Search and Rescue, are continuing in ongoing search efforts for the missing man.
Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.
West Warrior
I know that his has been asked before; \”Do you really have lions roaming the streets?\”
ThermalMode
Jamaica: You have two cows. They win 25 gold medals at the Bovine Olympics.