Vaughn Seconds, NSRI Strandfontein station commander, said:
At 14h03, Monday, 20th March, NSRI Strandfontein duty crew were activated by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) following reports of a drowning in progress at Monwabisi.
The Sea Rescue craft I&J Rescuer III was launched and the Police Dive Unit, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Marine Law Enforcement, SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter responded.
While rescue resources were responding to the scene the Police Dive Unit, who were engaged in an ongoing search operation for 2 student men who went missing in Strand on Saturday, diverted to respond to the drowning in progress at Monwabisi Beach. Arriving first on the scene the Police divers initiated a search for an 18 year old local man missing in the surf when their attention was diverted to bystanders rescuing a 10 year old local boy who was in difficulty in the Monwabisi Tidal Pool.
Police divers assisted to rescue the child from the water and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services paramedics initiated CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts and the child was successfully resuscitated and handed into the care of EMS paramedics, who had by now also arrived on the scene, and the child was transported to hospital by EMS ambulance in a serious but stable condition.
NSRI, Police divers, Fire divers, the Skymed rescue helicopter and Emergency Services then concentrated on an extensive sea, air and shore search for the missing 18 year old and despite the extensive search efforts no sign of the teenager has been found.
The Police Dive Unit, assisted by Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services dive unit members, will continue an ongoing search for:
- the 18 year old missing at Monwabisi today,
- and an ongoing search operation for the man aged in his late 20’s or early 30’s, who went missing in the surf at Monwabisi on Sunday,
- and for the 2 students, from UWC and CPUT, who went missing in the surf in Strand on Saturday.
NSRI are urging the public to be cautious along the coastline and at beaches and to only go swimming at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty.
-ENDS-
TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE
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