Tragedy as a child drowns in the Kariega River, Kenton-on-Sea

Pic: www.kenton.co.zaAt 15h20, Friday, 25th September, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports from the EC Government Health EMS of a child missing on the Kariega River, Kenton-on-Sea.NSRI Port Alfred dispatched our sea rescue vehicle towing our sea rescue craft RESCUE 11 ALPHA and an NSRI volunteers private vehicle responded and the EC Government Health EMS, SA Police Services, a Police Dive Unit, Traffic Services and Hi-Tech Security responded.On arrival on the scene, approximately 1 mile upstream from the mouth of the Kariege River (in the vicinity of Mullins Camp), a search commenced for an 8 year old local child who had gone missing in the water while swimming with a friend.The child had reportedly disappeared under water without warning while he and his male friend, believed to also be 8 years old, were swimming back and forth across the river during an incoming tide. It is suspected that under currents during the incoming tide may have dragged the child under water.A member of the public launched his private boat to assist in the search.During an extensive search a Police diver, deployed in a scuba-dive search, located and recovered the body of the child under water nearby.The body of the child was brought to shore aboard our NSRI rescue craft and handed into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and Police have opened an inquest docket.'TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONESMS 32287 with your name and a message of support for our Sea Rescue crew