Saunders Rocks, the iconic sunset and chill spot for many Capetonians that overlooks the gorgeous waters of Bantry Bay, became an area on high alert yesterday after reports of a drowning beckoned the NSRI to the scene.
The NSRI Table Bay duty coxswain, Gal Chiles explained that a huge search party responded to assist.
“The City’s water rescue network was activated by the NSRI’s EOC (Emergency Operations Centre). NSRI Bakoven, NSRI Table Bay rescue swimmers, CoCT Law Enforcement and life guard, SAPS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services and the Western Cape Government Health EMS, as well as Cape Town Traffic services, responded,” he said.
The missing man, reportedly 34 years old had disappeared under the chilly waters after launching off the famous rocks in attempting to assist a rock angler according to the NSRI. The rock angler’s fishing rod had fallen, and the man had leapt to its rescue, but didn’t return.
Rescue crafts were launched by both the NSRI and the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services’ rescue craft, searching the seascape.
“Bystanders raised the alarm and we believe that a bystander had grabbed the NSRI pink rescue buoy, stationed at Saunders Rocks, to try to help, but the man had already disappeared under water,” says Gal Chiles.
Today, police divers launched a police boat in continued efforts to find the man, as well as a scuba dive search and shoreline patrols too. A police Air Wing helicopter also joined the search party, hoping to find the man along the shoreline.
He has not yet been found.
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Picture: NSRI Table Bay