The search for 17-year-old Ryder Kossatz continues after the teenager went missing in Llandudno on Wednesday afternoon.
Also read: New NSRI vessel is on a 1 900km voyage from Cape Town to KZN
Shortly before 4pm yesterday, the National Sea Rescue Institute in Hout Bay and Bakoven were activated following eyewitness reports of a male teenager caught in rip currents after being swept off rocks on the shoreline below the Llandudno Sandy Bay parking area.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the scene while rescue crafts were launched and the SA Police Services and WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and ambulance were activated.
EMS Metro Control activated the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter.
The CoCT water rescue network was alerted and CoCT (City of Cape Town) Law Enforcement responded to assist.
On arrival on the scene, an extensive search commenced for a 17-year-old local who was last seen in heavy sea surf approximately 300 to 400 metres off-shore.
Looking for a deal on a car, but tight on a budget? Have a look at these offers for under R100 000. View the deals here.
According to the NSRI, it appears he had been in shallow surf on rocks on the shoreline with friends when a wave reportedly swept him off his feet. It is believed he had attempted to swim with the sea currents to escape the rocky shoreline.
Despite an extensive sea, air and shoreline search, there was still no sign of the teenager.
The Police Dive Unit was activated and accompanied by the EMS rescue squad drone unit, Hout Bay Police and NSRI. An extensive search using a rescue drone with FLIR (Thermal Imaging Camera Technology) and shoreline patrols were continued into the night, but there remains no sign of the missing teenager.
The Police Dive Unit, assisted by the EMS rescue squad and emergency services, is continuing in an ongoing search operation.
Meanwhile, Ryder’s family have extended their heartfelt thanks to all for the overwhelming support and have requested privacy at this time.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a nature-filled glamping stay for four in the Overberg for R1 200 (valued at R1 500). Get it here.
Also read:
Picture: NSRI / Facebook