Herolds Bay – Man Missing

Jonathan Britton, NSRI Wilderness station commander, said: At 20h47, Wednesday, 1 April, NSRI Wilderness and NSRI Mossel Bay duty crews were activated following reports of a local fisherman reportedly swept off rocks by waves in the vicinity of Voelklip, Herolds Bay, while shoreline angling.

NSRI rescue swimmers, from both NSRI rescue stations, responded.

NSRI crew responded to the NSRI Mossel Bay station 15 rescue base and launched the NSRI rescue craft St Blaise Rescuer.

NSRI Wilderness crew, at the NSRI Wilderness station 23 rescue base at the time, launched the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Rotary.

NSRI rescue vehicles, from both NSRI rescue stations, responded, while the SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS and George Fire and Rescue Services were activated and responded.

On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a local man, age 70, reportedly swept off rocks while shoreline angling during the turn of the Spring low tide.

An EMS rescue drone unit was deployed in an aerial search.

CPF (George Community Police Forum) members attended at the scene deploying a drone assisting in search efforts.

Police divers (Police WPDS – Water Policing and Diving Services) were activated and attended at the scene

NSRI rescue craft conducted search efforts extending to beyond the back breakers in calm seas while shoreline search efforts continued.

White illuminating flares were deployed to assist in the search.

Fishing gear belonging to the missing man was located and recovered from the water during search efforts.

Despite extensive air, sea and shoreline search efforts there remains no signs of the missing man.

Police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts.

NSRI lifeguards, on duty on Thursday and over the Easter Weekend, are tasked to keep a lookout.

Our thoughts and care are with family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.