Update

GEORGE NEWS - The body of the boy, Babalo Ndoda Mooi (15)*, who went missing in the sea at Wilderness Beach on Sunday 27 November, has been found. His body washed up on Leentjiesklip Beach on Friday 2 December after emergency services have been searching for nearly a week.

Mooi went missing after he got into trouble in the water when he and one of his friends, also 15 years old, were caught in rip currents at approximately 14:00 that afternoon. It is believed that initially there were five boys in the water, but the other three made it out safely.

The NSRI located and recovered Mooi's friend and he was treated for non-fatal drowning symptoms.

An extensive air, sea and shoreline search for Mooi was launched immediately, including NSRI rescue swimmers deployed into the surf to conduct free-dive sweeping line search efforts, but unfortunately the boy was not found.

NSRI crew members during the search for Mooi. 

Assistance asked with funeral

To face such a tragedy shortly before the holidays, is a tragedy in itself. Instead of picking out a gift for him, his parents have to pick out a casket and with very little funds available to bury their son, his parents are left with a bleak prospect for what is supposed to be a time of happiness, joy and family gatherings.

"We miss our son," said his mother, Pamela Mooi. "He was a good boy who always did his best and was never afraid to help anyone. I can't describe my sadness. No parent should ever lose a child, it is a loss that leaves you empty and without a desire to carry on. 

"We appeal to the community for assistance to put our son to rest and let him rest in peace. This entire nightmare has been bad enough and not to be able to put him to rest, really breaks us."

Anyone who is willing to assist with the funeral, is asked to contact Mooi on 073 770 2484.

Initially it was said that Mooi was 16 years old. The parents however confirmed his age (15) with George Herald.

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