A search operation involving the NSRI, police divers and emergency services is continuing after a 24-year-old Cape Town man disappeared in the surf at Silver Sands beach in Betty’s Bay, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The man, who is from Observatory, reportedly went missing while swimming on Saturday afternoon, 31 October, prompting an extensive search by sea, air and along the coastline.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Kleinmond duty crew was activated at approximately 14:35 after receiving reports of a drowning in progress.
NSRI Kleinmond launched two rescue craft, Spirit of Surfski and Michele, while its rescue vehicle responded with rescue swimmers.
Several emergency services joined the operation, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Western Cape Government Health EMS Metro rescue squad and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter. Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) were also alerted.
During the search, an EMS Metro rescue diver and three NSRI rescue swimmers entered the surf to conduct underwater searches using sweeping-line free-diving techniques. Despite the extensive operation, rescuers were unable to locate the missing swimmer.
According to NSRI Kleinmond station commander Schalk Boonzaaier, there had been no sign of the man following the initial search efforts. Police have opened an investigation, while WPDS divers continued searching on Sunday, 1 November, with assistance from NSRI Kleinmond.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of swimming in the surf, where changing conditions and powerful currents can make even a familiar stretch of coastline hazardous. The NSRI has extended its thoughts and condolences to the missing man’s family and friends as the search continues.
This is a developing story and will be updated as further details are revealed.
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