John Nicholas, NSRI Port Edward station commander, said:
At 11h50, Tuesday, 27th November, NSRI Port Edward duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Kidds Beach, Leisure Bay.
NSRI Port Edward rescue swimmers, Police Search and Rescue and Med-Evac ambulance services responded.
On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a local 12 year old male child missing in the surf.
It appears that bystanders using a body board had reached the child in the surf but they were unable to secure the child before the surf swept the child away from them and they were forced to return to shore.
No sign of the child has been found and Police Search and Rescue will continue in an ongoing search operation and family of the child are being supported by the SA Police Services.
Police have opened an investigation.
Image source: www.ustaysouthcoast.co.za
TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE