MONWABISI, FALSE BAY:
Vaughn Seconds, NSRI Strandfontein station commander, said:
At 14h51, Thursday, 20th October, NSRI Strandfontein duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following reports of a drowning in progress at Monwabisi Beach.
Law Enforcement Marine officers were responding, the Sea Rescue craft I&J Rescuer II was launched and a sea rescue vehicle dispatched. Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services confirmed that a Fire and Rescue Services dive team were responding. WC Government Health EMS rescue squad and an ambulance and the SA Police Services responded.
While responding to the scene Law Enforcement Marine officers confirmed that a 30 year old male, from Khayelitsha, had been rescued from the surf by Law Enforcement Marine lifeguards. The man was assessed by paramedics and following treatment for exhaustion and mild non-fatal drowning symptoms he required no further medical attention.
According to reports, two men were swimming when they got into difficulty in the surf. The 30 year old man had tried to save his 45 year old friend who then disappeared in the surf before Law Enforcement Marine lifeguards arrived on the scene and they rescued the 30 year old man from the surf.
A sea and shoreline search commenced for the missing 45 year old man who is from Khayelitsha.
The sea rescue craft was joined by Fire and Rescue Services jet-skis but despite an extensive search no sign of the missing man has been found and he is presumed to have drowned.
A Police dive unit were activated and local Police and a Police dive unit will continue an ongoing search operation.
Local fishermen, part of the NSRI Coastwatchers in the area, will assist to monitor the area.
Police have opened an investigation.
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