Ian Gray, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said:At 18h14, Sunday, 17th February, NSRI Station 6 Port Elizabeth duty crew and the NMB (Nelson Mandela Bay) Water Rescue Network were activated following reports of 3 men reportedly caught in currents at the Sundays River Mouth.Blue Water Bay Surf Lifesaving lifeguards who had a rescue rubber-duck on Sundays River at the time and were in the vicinity immediately responded and NSRI Port Elizabeth towed the sea rescue craft Spirit of Surf-Ski 4 that was launched on the river, Coastal Water Rescue, the SA Police Services, a Police Dive Unit, NMB Beach Managers Office and EC Government Health EMS were activated.On arrival on the scene 2 men were found safe out the water and they sustained only minor injuries but one man, a local 35 year old, remained missing and despite an extensive search in the river, along the banks of the river and out to sea and which also included NSRI Port Elizabeth launching an additional sea rescue craft, JLK Rescuer, and searching the coastline and out to sea, no sign of the missing man has been found.A Police Dive Unit will continue in an ongoing search operation.It appears that a group of up to 20 men had been swimming across the river when 3 of the men were reportedly caught in strong currents.High tide was at 15h16 and low tide at 20h56.
Image via lighttackle.co.za
TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE
