The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Kleinmond responded to urgent reports of a diver in distress near Kleinmond’s tidal pool on 4 January, reports Cape {town} Etc.
A coordinated search operation involving air, sea and shoreline resources was launched after eyewitnesses reported seeing a diver struggling along the shoreline near the Bruggie rocks.
Despite exhaustive efforts, no sign of the diver was found, and no missing person reports were received in relation to the incident.
The search was prompted by a call made at 5:22am on Saturday, 4 January, when concerned witnesses alerted emergency services to the situation.
NSRI Kleinmond duty crew, along with Overstrand Law Enforcement, WC Government Health EMS and a Skymed helicopter, quickly mobilised.
Further eyewitness reports indicated the diver might be in peril, but despite an extensive operation, no trace of the individual was discovered. There were no reports of any missing or overdue persons connected to the case, leaving authorities puzzled.
As the search for the missing diver continued, a second report was received about a diver missing at Hangklip. The wife of the diver reported that her husband had not returned home as planned after his dive near Maasbaai.
However, the situation was quickly resolved when the wife later informed authorities that her husband had returned safely and no further assistance was required.
Earlier, on 1 January, NSRI Kleinmond had also been involved in a daring rescue operation at Jocks Bay, Bettys Bay.
At 2:17pm, reports came in that a father and daughter had been swept off their canoe while fishing. With strong winds and swells of up to 2 meters, rescue teams were deployed, and an eyewitness who intended to join NSRI Kleinmond stayed in contact, guiding rescuers to the stranded pair.
In challenging conditions, the NSRI Kleinmond rescue craft managed to reach the casualties offshore and bring them safely back to shore. Both the father and daughter were assessed by medical professionals and found to be unharmed.
The NSRI Kleinmond team continues to respond to emergencies along the Overstrand coastline, ensuring the safety of those in distress at sea.
While no further details have emerged about the missing diver from the 4 January incident, the NSRI Kleinmond urges anyone with additional information to contact Kleinmond Police Station at 028-2718200 or 028-2718202.
For more information on NSRI operations and safety tips, visit their website or stay updated through their official social media channels.
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Tragic start to the new year as NSRI responds to two separate drownings
Picture: NSRI
