A 22-year-old student went missing in the sea at Maitlands Beach yesterday, June 2.
According to Justin Erasmus, NSRI Gqeberha station commander, the student, together with two of his friends, went swimming when the man waded in beyond being able to stand.
“He was caught by rip currents and he was swept out to sea and he disappeared,” Erasmus said.
At 13:38 the NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following reports of the drowning in progress.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay water rescue network was activated. NSRI towed the rescue craft Rescue 6 Bravo which was launched on the scene.”
NSRI rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, Gqeberha Fire and Rescue Services, NMB Beach Office lifeguards, Coastal Water Rescue and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter responded.
“An extensive air, sea and shoreline search was conducted for the 22-year-old male, from Eastern Cape, who was missing in the surf line. NMB lifeguards and Coastal Water Rescue rescue swimmers conducted sweeping line free dive search efforts.”
Erasmus further said it appears that two buses carrying employees of a local company had come to the beach for a function. The three friends are students who are employed by the company.
“Despite the extensive search, there remains no sign of the missing man. An investigation has been opened by police.
“Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search. Thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.”
