ST FRANCIS BAY: Man presumed drowned

Wednesday 02 November 2011.At 13h57 on Wednesday 02 November NSRI St Francis Bay volunteer duty crew were called out following reports of a drowning in progress at Main Beach, St Francis Bay.We launched our sea rescue craft Spirit of St Francis II and Private Care ambulance service, Metro EMS and a Metro EMS rescue squad, the SA Police Services and the St Francis Bay Fire and Rescue Services all responded.On arrival on-scene a search commenced for a 25 year old man who had disappeared after being dumped by a wave while wading in the surf. He is believed to be a resident of the area. An extensive sea and shore search has revealed no sign of the man who is now presumed to have drowned.Police have opened an inquest docket.The ongoing search operation was handed over to police following a high tide search by NSRI in the late afternoon.The name of the man has not been released pending family members being informed.