Man missing following drowning incident

At 15h58 (Tuesday, 05th November) NSRI Hermanus crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Grotto Beach, Hermanus.Our crew launched sea rescue craft SPIRIT OF LE JENMAR II and a Sea Rescue vehicle, Overstrand Municipal Protection Services, SA Police Services, EMS private ambulance service and WC Government Health EMS responded.A search commenced for a 22 year old Zimbabwean man reported to have disappeared under water after being swept out to sea by rip currents while swimming.Eye-witnesses (on the shore) and Protection Services members (who had arrived on-scene first) identified the place in the water where the man had last been seen. An extensive sea and shore search, following the sea currents, continued but no sign of the missing man has been found and he is presumed to have drowned.Police and EMS attended to the missing man's brother who had been with the victim at the beach at the time.Police are investigating and a Police Dive Unit have been activated to continue a search from tomorrow morning.Our thoughts are with the family.