A 15-year-old boy from Grassy Park remains missing after being swept out to sea at Noordhoek Beach on Sunday afternoon, despite an extensive multi-agency search involving air, sea and shoreline teams.
According to Spencer Oldham, station commander of NSRI Hout Bay, rescue teams were activated at 16:03 on Sunday, 16 November after eyewitnesses reported that the teenager had been pulled out by strong rip currents while attempting to retrieve a ball that had washed off nearby rocks.
Joined the search
Multiple rescue units responded, including NSRI Hout Bay, NSRI Kommetjie, NSRI Simon’s Town, City of Cape Town Water Rescue Network, CMR, CoCT Law Enforcement, Disaster Risk Management, and the South African Police Service.
Two NSRI Hout Bay vessels already at sea on routine training – Nadine Gordimer and Albie Matthews – immediately joined the search, while the rescue craft Spirit of Gabby was launched shortly after.
NSRI Kommetjie deployed Rescue 26 Alpha, and rescue vehicles from several stations were dispatched to the shoreline.
The EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was also deployed to assist with aerial searches, while Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) were alerted and continue the search effort.
Challenging conditions
Oldham said that strong south-easterly winds of up to 45 knots created challenging conditions for rescuers.
Despite an intensive coordinated effort, no sign of the missing teenager has been found.
“Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing teenager in this difficult time,” Oldham said.
Police WPDS divers are expected to continue the search over the coming days, with the NSRI urging beachgoers to remain cautious around rip currents, which are common along the stretch of coastline beneath Chapman’s Peak.
