SOUTHBROOM, KZN SOUTH COAST: Police divers (WPDS) and Police K9 Search and Rescue are continuing in ongoing search efforts for a man who went missing in the surf on Thursday.
John Nicholas, NSRI Port Edward station commander, said: At 12h03, Thursday, 15 May, NSRI Port Edward and NSRI Shelly Beach were alerted by Wolf Security who reported to be on the scene of a drowning in progress at Southbroom Main Beach, KZN South Coast.
GP Security also assisted to raise the alarm.
A man was caught in rip currents while swimming, at low tide, and he was being swept out to sea. There were efforts by bystanders who were trying to assist.
NSRI Port Edward rescue swimmers and an NSRI Shelly Beach rescue swimmer responded while NSRI crew responded to our NSRI Port Edward station 32 rescue base where our NSRI rescue vehicle, towing our NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 7, responded.
The NSRI rescue craft was launched at Ramsgate Ski-Boat Club – responding to the scene.
A Link Connect lifeguard supervisor, the SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue (WPDS – Water Policing and Diving Services), Police K9 Search and Rescue, Ray Nkonyeni Law Enforcement, Ray Nkonyeni Fire and Rescue Services and Maser Security responded.
It was reported that colleagues of the casualty, and surfers and bystanders, were attempting to reach the man in the surf zone but the man had then disappeared under water.
On arrival on the scene a search commenced with rescuers deployed at elevated positions, a shoreline search, a sea search in the surf zone and beyond, using the NSRI rescue craft, and a Police Search and Rescue drone – conducting an aerial search.
It was determined that a local 22 year old man, reportedly conducting maintenance at the tidal pool, had taken a swim when he was caught in rip currents and he was swept out to sea before disappearing under water – despite efforts of Good Samaritans that tried to save him.
Despite an extensive sea, air and shoreline search there remains no signs of the missing man and Police (WPDS and Police K9 Search and Rescue) are continuing in ongoing search efforts.
Thoughts, care and compassion are with the family, friends and colleagues of the missing man in this difficult time.
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