{"id":294927,"date":"2025-12-18T13:23:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T11:23:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/mthathaexpress\/no-sign-of-eastern-cape-teenager-missing-in-surf-zone\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T13:26:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T11:26:16","slug":"no-sign-of-eastern-cape-teenager-missing-in-surf-zone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/mthathaexpress\/no-sign-of-eastern-cape-teenager-missing-in-surf-zone\/","title":{"rendered":"No sign of Eastern Cape teenager missing in surf zone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EASTERN CAPE<\/strong> – Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate a 13-year-old boy who went missing in the surf at Hole-in-the-Wall on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The teenager, from Mthatha, disappeared in the surf zone on Tuesday, 16 December, prompting an immediate emergency response at 11:14 that morning following reports of a drowning in progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the search enters its third day, there is still no sign of the missing teenager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Johann Stadler, National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Mdumbi station commander, confirmed that the station’s duty crew were activated and launched their rescue craft but despite extensive efforts, no trace of the missing boy has been found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The search operation has involved multiple specialist units, including police divers from the Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS), Police K9 Search and Rescue teams and periodic assistance from a police helicopter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing teenager in this difficult time,” says Stadler.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate a 13-year-old boy who went missing in the surf at Hole-in-the-Wall on 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