The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) launched an urgent search-and-rescue operation at Bloubergstrand Beach in Table View after reports surfaced of a boy going missing in the waves earlier this afternoon (Thursday 29 August).
Craig Lambinon, spokesperson for the NSRI, confirmed rescue teams were on the scene, although limited details were available as the operation was still underway.
“An active search is ongoing,” Lambinon told TygerBurger.
The NSRI could not provide further information regarding the boy’s age or the circumstances leading up to the incident.
According to social media two boys were caught in rip currents and one managed to make it back to shore. Lambinon could not confirm these details.
Man still missing
The incident drew concern from locals as it came less than a week after a man went missing on the same stretch of beach. On Sunday he was reported missing in the surf at Bloubergstrand and, despite extensive search efforts, had not yet been found.
Rescue workers, including NSRI crews and emergency services, had combed the area in challenging sea conditions. Strong currents and unpredictable swells at this popular Table View beach have been flagged as a growing safety concern.
The NSRI again appealed to the public to exercise extreme caution when swimming, surfing or walking near the water’s edge, particularly when lifeguards were not on duty.
Updates would follow as more information became available.
