On Wednesday, 15 November at 5:51pm, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Mykonos duty crew received reports from eyewitnesses about a drowning in progress in Veldrift, Laaiplek.
Multiple rescue services collaborated in response to the incident, including the SA Police Services, SAPS WPDS (Water Policing and Dive Services), NSRI Mykonos rescue swimmers (who were conducting routine training in the area at the time), West Coast Medical and WC Government Health EMS.
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On arrival at the scene, a search commenced for a local male child believed to be approximately 12 years old who had gone missing in the water after reportedly being caught in rip currents in the wave line during an outgoing tide.
SAPS WPDS divers launched a police boat. NSRI Mykonos launched their NSRI rescue craft Rotary Onwards from the NSRI Mykonos satellite station at St Helena Bay.
NSRI rescue swimmers entered the surf to conduct free dive searches.
Despite a comprehensive shoreline search conducted by police, paramedics, NSRI Mykonos shore crew and community members, there remains no sign of the child.
Police divers are continuing their ongoing search for the missing individual.
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Picture: The National Sea Rescue Institute