The NSRI Melkbosstrand were activated following reports of a drowning in progress. A 15-year-old boy was swept out to sea by a rip current from Table View Beach at 6:20pm on Saturday, March 7.
A Melkbosstrand sea rescue craft was launched, as well as the NSRI Table Bay duty crew, a lifeguard rescue craft, Big Bay’s lifesaving lifeguards, the EMS/ AMS skymed rescue helicopter. Western Cape government Health EMS, City of Cape Town law enforcement officers, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the SA Police Services responded.
When teams arrived on the scene an extensive sea, air and shoreline search commenced, including rescue swimmers searching in the surf, with free diver search efforts.
Despite the extensive search no sign has been found of a 15-year-old male, from Kraaifontein, who reportedly got into difficulty in the surf while swimming and was swept out to sea by rip currents before disappearing in the surf line.
A Police Dive Unit are continue in ongoing search efforts, supported by NSRI, CoCT lifeguards and Law Enforcement.
Police have opened an investigation.
Thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing teenager in this difficult time.
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