A search and rescue operation is currently underway at Groot Wolfgat Beach, between Monwabisi and Mnandi on the False Bay Coast, Cape Town, after a 35-year-old man, who had gone swimming with friends, went missing.
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According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), its Strandfontein station commander was alerted by City of Cape Town Law Enforcement of a drowning in process just after 1pm on Saturday.
Officers were patrolling the area shortly before the incident occurred and had moved on to patrol at Monwabisi when members of the public raised the alarm of a possible drowning at Groot Wolfgat Beach.
NSRI Strandfontein and the City’s water rescue network were activated.
SAPS, WCG Health EMS rescue squad and ambulance and rescue services responded and joined law enforcement officers on the scene.
NSRI Strandfontein Station Commander Nicolette Whitehead said it appears that four male friends, from Mandalay, were swimming when, on exiting the water, the three friends noticed that their friend had not come out of the water with them.
Whitehead added that, after searching, the three males noticed their friend ‘floating in the water appearing to be lifeless’.
‘They had tried to reach their friend in the breaking surf line but, unable to reach him, they returned to the beach and summoned public members to help them raise the alarm,’ said Whitehead.
The NSRI conducted an extensive search for the missing man when they arrived on the scene.
‘Despite an extensive air, sea and shoreline search, there remains no sign of the missing man. Police divers attended the scene and are continuing an ongoing search operation,’ said Whitehead.
Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Mitchells Plain police had opened a missing persons case.
Twigg added that the search was called off on Saturday night and was due to resume on Sunday.
The NSRI said their thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing man during this difficult time.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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Picture: NSRI / Facebook