The search continues for a 16-year-old who went missing in the waves at Table View Beach, Bloubergstrand yesterday afternoon (Friday, 29 August).
Rowan Marais, station commander for NSRI Melkbosstrand, said the rescue teams were alerted at 16:01 after eyewitnesses reported two teenagers in difficulty in the surf zone.
One of the boys managed to make it safely back to shore without injury, but the second boy – a local teenager – was seen being swept out to sea by strong rip currents before disappearing.
At the time of publication, the teenager’s identity had not yet been confirmed, and TygerBurger is still trying to make contact with his family.
Rescue units dispatched
The City of Cape Town’s water rescue network was immediately activated, with a large response from multiple emergency services. NSRI rescue swimmers, lifeguards from Big Bay Surf Lifesaving, EMS paramedics, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, and local security all joined the search. The NSRI rescue craft Rotary’s Gift and a JetRIB were launched, while the EMS/AMS Skymed helicopter searched from above.
Despite extensive sea, air and shoreline searches, the boy could not be found. Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) have since taken over the investigation and will continue search operations.
“This is a very difficult time, and our thoughts are with the family of the missing teenager,” said Marais.
The incident comes just days after another man went missing in the same stretch of water last Sunday. He has still not been found despite ongoing searches.
Community Medics who were on the scene said: “A thorough air and sea search is being conducted for a missing teenager who was pulled into the sea after a large wave struck him. The area in front of Pakalolos, Table View is well-known for strong rip currents and is not recommended for swimming.”
Ward councillor responds
Ward 107 councillor Jonathan Mills said: “After another senseless tragedy at the beach, I can’t escape the thought that it will probably not be the last time. Please help me spread the word and save a life this summer. Table View Beach is a no-swimming beach. Let people who look like tourists know, check with families paddling that they saw the signs, warn people going in that it’s not safe.”
