A search operation is continuing after a 24-year-old man went missing while swimming at Silver Sands beach in Betty’s Bay on Saturday.
The operation involved the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), police divers and emergency services.
NSRI Kleinmond duty crew was activated at approximately 14:35 following reports of a drowning in progress on 31 October.
According to NSRI Kleinmond station commander Schalk Boonzaaier, rescue crews launched two rescue craft, Spirit of Surfski and Michele, from Station 42. Meanwhile, an NSRI rescue vehicle responded with rescue swimmers.
The police, Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS), Western Cape Government Health EMS Metro rescue squad and EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter also responded to the incident.
The missing man, who is from Observatory in Cape Town, disappeared in the surf zone while swimming.
An EMS Metro rescue diver and three NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the surf to conduct sweeping-line free-diving searches.
Despite an extensive search by air, sea and along the shoreline, rescuers were unable to locate the man.
Police have opened an investigation, while WPDS divers continued search operations on Sunday, 1 November, with assistance from NSRI Kleinmond.
The NSRI has extended its thoughts and support to the missing man’s family and friends during this difficult time.
