SHELLY BEACH – Search for missing man:

At 11h16 on Tuesday the 06th of August NSRI Shelly Beach volunteers were activated following reports of a man being swept out to sea by rip currents at Banana Beach, Pumula, North of Port Shepstone.Mark Harlen, NSRI Shelly Beach station commander, said:'Our duty crew launched CALTEX CHALLENGER II and our NSRI rescue vehicle, Police Search and Rescue, a Police helicopter and Hibiscus Medivac ambulance services responded.'On arrival on-scene a search commenced for a 23 year old man (believed to be from Soweto, Gauteng) who according to witnesses had disappeared under water after reportedly being swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming with a group of people.'A fellow swimmer who was reportedly also in difficulty in the surf managed to get out of the water unassisted and he was not injured.'Despite an extensive sea, shore and air search no sign has been found of the missing man who is presumed to have drowned.'Police have opened an inquest docket and a Police Search and Rescue team will continue with a search operation.' The search for the missing Soweto man included a Police helicopter and the NSRI boat Caltex Challenger II. Picture NSRI.