An intensive search is underway at Muizenberg beach for a missing lifeguard. The beach has also been closed to visitors on Sunday to allow rescuers to work quickly and efficiently.
“The City of Cape Town is working with numerous other agencies to find a seasonal lifeguard who disappeared in the surf yesterday,” said Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien.
The lifeguard fell off a rescue sled that was being towed by a jet ski as it was en route to help a kite surfer in distress at St James beach on Saturday, November 28.
“It is suspected that the lifeguard was knocked off the sled, approximately 50 to 100 metres offshore, and he then disappeared in the water,” said Badroodien.
“Lifeguards immediately started a search operation, with assistance from the NSRI, Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue Service, Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Medical Services.”
Despite best efforts, the search was called off on Saturday as the sun set, but was immediately started again once the light returned on Sunday morning.
So far, the teams have not found anyone but the beach is closed for the continued search operation.
“The City will do everything possible to find our lifeguard, and to assist his colleagues, family and friends during this difficult time,” said Baroodien.
Picture: City of Cape Town