CAPE TOWN – A 37-year-old American man has disappeared after being swept out to sea at Diaz Beach near Cape Point on Wednesday afternoon, on what was supposed to be the final day of his family’s holiday in Cape Town.
Emergency services, including the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Cape Medical Response, South African Police Services, Table Mountain National Park rangers and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, launched an extensive search operation following reports of a drowning in progress.
NSRI Simonstown and Kommetjie duty crews launched three rescue craft – Donna Nicholas, Jack&Irene and Spirit of the Vines – whilst rescue swimmers combed the shoreline. Despite the search continuing after dark, there has been no sign of the missing man.
Police Water Policing and Diving Services have been tasked with continuing the search efforts.
According to reports, the American tourist and a male relative, who is a firefighter in the United States, had decided to take a swim at Diaz Beach during their visit to Cape Point. The firefighter quickly recognised the strength of the sea currents and advised they exit the water immediately.
The two men were reportedly in shin-deep water attempting to retreat from the surf when the missing man was swept off his feet. He was caught in rip currents and swept out to sea before disappearing beneath the waves.
The incident recalls the tragic disappearance of French rugby player Medhi Narjissi (17) who went missing at the same location in August 2024. Narjissi was part of France’s under-18 squad visiting South Africa for a youth tournament when he and teammates entered the water at Diaz Beach, a restricted swimming area.
During what was meant to be a recovery session, Narjissi was swept away by strong rip currents. A teammate attempted a rescue but could not reach him. Despite extensive search operations involving NSRI crews, helicopters and emergency services, his body was never recovered. An investigation later found that the session was poorly organised and that warning signs on the beach had been ignored or missed.
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