Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate a teenager who went missing in the surf at Hole-in-the-Wall in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
According to Johann Stadler, NSRI Mdumbi station commander, emergency services were activated at approximately 11:14 on Tuesday, 16 December, following reports of a drowning in progress.
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The South African Police Service responded, and the NSRI Mdumbi rescue craft JetRIB was launched.
Surf zone
On arrival, rescue teams began searching for a 13-year-old boy from Mthatha who had disappeared in the surf zone.
Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search, no sign of the teenager was found.
Ongoing search operations are being conducted by SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS), Police K9 Search and Rescue units, and at times a SAPS helicopter.
The efforts are being supported by Eastern Cape Government Health EMS and NSRI Mdumbi.
‘Difficult time’
“Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing teenager during this difficult time,” Stadler said.
Authorities have urged beachgoers to exercise caution when entering the ocean, particularly in areas with strong currents and changing surf conditions.
