The search for a man who went missing in the ocean at Struisbaai North on Sunday 26 November, resumed on Monday.
Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander, confirmed that NSRI Agulhas, Overberg Fire and Rescue Services, local police and WC Government Health EMS responded to reports of a drowning in progress at Struisbaai North on Sunday afternoon.
The NSRI launched two rescue craft and conducted a shoreline search for the 23-year old man who reportedly disappeared under water.
“The police’s Water Policing and Dive Services (WPDS) has joined the extensive search operation for the missing man and the search is ongoing,” Geldenhuys said on Monday.
Captain Carlene Swart, commander of the Struisbaai Police Station, confirmed that the drowning occurred at approximately 16:00 on Sunday.
“The man, who is a Mozambican national, and a few friends went for a swim when he disappeared under the water,” she stated. “A missing person docket was opened and the search continues.”
In light of this and other fatal drowning incidents, the NSRI urges the public to prioritise safety in all water-related activities.
“Let’s Keep Each Other Safe” is not just a slogan,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon, “it’s a commitment to fostering a culture of responsible behaviour around water.”
Bathers are urged to swim only in designated areas where lifeguards are on duty, to pay attention to lifeguard instructions and stay within the safer swimming zones.