A large-scale rescue operation was launched at Fish Hoek beach on Wednesday after two teenagers were caught in rip currents near the Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club.
According to NSRI Simonstown station commander Darren Zimmerman, City of Cape Town (CoCT) lifeguards were alerted to the incident at around 11:22.
RELATED | Teenager missing in the surf at Hole-in-the-Wall – NSRI
The CoCT water rescue network was immediately activated.
Deployed
Emergency responders from multiple agencies converged on the scene, including NSRI Simonstown rescue swimmers, City law enforcement, Cape Medical Response (CMR), Western Cape Government Health EMS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and the South African Police Service. NSRI coast watchers were also deployed to elevated positions above Fish Hoek to assist with visual searches.
An 18-year-old male from Belhar was rescued from the water by CoCT lifeguards and transported to hospital by CMR ambulance in a serious, but stable condition.
However, a second 18-year-old male, from Montana in Cape Town, remains missing.
As the operation escalated, EMS Metro Control dispatched the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, while Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) were placed on alert.
A coordinated search effort followed, involving five rescue craft – two NSRI vessels, two lifeguard rescue craft and a City law enforcement marine unit – supported by the Skymed rescue helicopter.
No sign of teenager
Despite extensive air, sea and shoreline search efforts, no sign of the missing teenager was found.
Police WPDS divers have since taken over the search operation, assisted by a Police Air Wing helicopter, as efforts continue.
Zimmerman said it appears the teenagers were part of a larger group at the beach under the supervision of a carer when the two entered the water and were caught in rip currents.
“Thoughts and care are with the families and friends of the missing teenager during this difficult time, as well as with the teenager who was rescued and taken to hospital,” he said.
Authorities have once again urged beachgoers to exercise caution, particularly during busy festive season periods, and to always swim between lifeguard flags.
