GEORGE AND KNYSNA NEWS - An extensive sea and shoreline search commenced for a 20-year-old Eastern Cape man, who had reportedly disappeared under water after being caught in rip currents between Myoli Beach and the Swartvlei River Mouth while swimming with friends.

NSRI Wilderness station commander Jonathan Britton said their duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress yesterday at Sedgefield at 19:23 (Saturday 14 December). 

NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmers, NSRI Sedgefield lifeguards and the police services responded.
The NSRI rescue craft Lavinia was launched from the NSRI Wilderness satellite rescue station in Sedgefield.

“Despite an extensive search there remains no signs of the missing man,” said Britton.

“Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) were activated and Police divers, assisted by local Police, NSRI Wilderness and by NSRI lifeguards are continuing in an ongoing search.

“Thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.”

National safety alert

NSRI, Police, lifeguards and the emergency services appeal to bathers, boaters, sailors, paddlers, shoreline anglers and coastal hikers to be cautious as the full moon Spring tide, that peaks today on Sunday 15 December, brings a higher than normal high tide and lower than normal low tide. This will last well into the new week, may cause stronger than normal sea currents and rip currents, cut off some coastal hiking trails and affect coastal shoreline anglers during the high tide.

While sea currents and rip currents are unpredictable at all times the concerns are that with the second high tide of the day, peaking during the mid-afternoon between 15:15 and 16:30, the outgoing tide may cause sea and rip currents to be stronger than normal.

Only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards during lifeguard duty times.

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