2 men missing: Richards Bay

At 14h49, Wednesday, 14th December, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew responded to a beach in the nHlalabanzi area following reports that 2 men had been missing for an hour following a swimming accident.The NSRI Richards Bay rescue vehicle responded to join the SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue, IPSS ambulance services, Police Sea Borderline, Police K9 Search and Rescue who were on the scene conducting a search.It appears that while playing soccer 2 men had gone into the surf to retrieve their football and were both swept away by strong rip currents. 1 man went into the surf to try to assist the 2 men being swept away and he managed to rescue 1 of the 2 men and then he reportedly went back into the surf to try to rescue the remaining man but despite reaching the casualty both men were then swept away and disappeared.Despite an extensive search no sign of the 2 men has been found and Police are continuing with an ongoing search for the 2 missing men who are presumed to have drowned.Police are investigating. Photograph attached taken at the scene by NSRI Richards Bay.TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE