Search for missing tidal pool maintenance man at Southbroom Main beach continues
Aerial view of people swimming in the water at a beach The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says rip currents, can develop where there are breaking waves. Bigger waves tend to produce stronger currents. These currents are formed by water moving from the beach back out to sea.
Image: NSRI
The search continues for a 22-year-old tidal pool maintenance man who went missing while swimming at Southbroom Main beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast after he got swept out to sea by rip currents.
National Sea Rescue Institute Station (NSRI) Port Edward station commander, John Nicholas, said it had been determined that the man was reportedly conducting maintenance at the tidal pool.
He then decided to take a swim and got into difficulty when he got caught in rip currents.
“Despite the efforts of Good Samaritans who tried to save him… he was swept out to sea before disappearing under water,” he said.
Detailing the events that unfolded, Nicholas said at 12.03pm on Thursday, 15 May, NSRI Port Edward and NSRI Shelly Beach were alerted by Wolf Security from the scene that there was a drowning in progress at Southbroom Main beach.
“A man was caught in rip currents while swimming at low tide, and he was being swept out to sea. There were efforts by bystanders who were trying to assist,” he said.
NSRI Port Edward and Shelly Beach rescue swimmers, along with the NSRI rescue vehicle towing the Spirit of Surfski 7, responded to the incident.
Additional responders included a Link Connect lifeguard supervisor, SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue (WPDS), Police K9 Search and Rescue, Ray Nkonyeni Law Enforcement, Ray Nkonyeni Fire and Rescue Services, and Maser Security.
According to Nicholas, it was reported that colleagues of the man, surfers, and bystanders were attempting to reach the man in the surf zone, but he had then disappeared under water.
He said on arrival at the scene, a search commenced, with rescuers deployed at elevated positions, conducting shoreline search efforts, a sea search in the surf zone and beyond, using the NSRI rescue craft, and a Police Search and Rescue drone conducting an aerial search.
“Despite an extensive sea, air and shoreline search, there remain no signs of the missing man, and Police (WPDS and Police K9 Search and Rescue) are continuing ongoing search efforts.
“Thoughts, care, and compassion are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the missing man in this difficult time,” said Nicholas.
karen.singh@inl.co.za