The search for a young boy from Zwelihle, who disappeared into the ocean while playing in the surf with friends at Schulphoek, continues.
Police divers were scheduled to continue the search for the nine-year-old boy yesterday (Tuesday 25 June) as sea conditions were not ideal on Monday.
Craig Lambinon, national NSRI spokesperson, confirmed the NSRI Hermanus duty crew was activated at 12:57 on Thursday 20 June following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Schulphoek.
The boy had reportedly disappeared into the surf while playing with friends in the shallow water along the rocky coastline.
“It is not clear yet, but it is suspected that while playing with friends with an inflatable lilo and a beach ball in shallow surf during an incoming tide, the child may have been caught in waves washing over rocks and then caught in rip currents,” Lambinon explained.
Both the NSRI Hermanus and the Overstrand emergency control room received calls raising the alarm of the child in difficulties in the water.
The NSRI Hermanus rescue vehicle and rescue swimmers as well as Western Cape Health EMS and the police responded to the scene. In addition, the NSRI Hermanus rescue craft Leonard Smith and the NSRI rescue craft JetRib were launched.
A search commenced for the child, who had last been seen in the surf along the rocky shoreline. Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search no sign of the missing child has been found.
Police divers were also called out to the scene and the search for the missing child continues.
Capt Fadila September, spokesperson for Hermanus police, confirmed a missing person/possible drowning docket had been opened. She appealed to parents to keep tabs on their children’s whereabouts and ensure adult supervision for the children.
“Anything can happen in the blink of an eye. Please ensure your kids are safe.”
Lambinon said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing child in this difficult time.”
In case of an emergency the NSRI can be contacted on the national emergency number, 087 094 9774. Alternatively, the NSRI Hermanus Station 17 can be contacted on 082 990 5967, NSRI Kleinmond on 083 419 4557 and NSRI Agulhas on 082 990 5952.
