Man missing - Jeffreys Bay. Fatal drowning and 1 person hospitalised - Port Alfred

Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search for a male aged in his 20's, from Uitenhage, who went missing in the surf 800 meters North of Jeffreys Bay and NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at West Beach.

JEFFREYS BAY:

Paul van Jaarsveld, NSRI Jeffreys Bay station commander, said:

Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search for a male aged in his 20's, from Uitenhage, who went missing in the surf 800 meters North of Jeffreys Bay Main beach at approximately 14h00 on Saturday, 1 January.

NSRI Jeffreys Bay duty crew joined lifeguards, Law Enforcement officers and Jeffreys Bay Fire and Rescue Services following reports that there had been a suspected drowning.

An extensive search was underway when it was confirmed that a man had disappeared in the surf line after appearing to get into difficulty while swimming.

On Sunday NSRI Jeffreys Bay, lifeguards and Law Enforcement officers continued to assist Police in an ongoing search.

There remains no sign of the missing man.

Our thoughts are with the family of the missing man in this difficult time.

PORT ALFRED:

Keryn van der Walt, NSRI Port Alfred duty coxswain, said:

At 17h21, Sunday, 2 January, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at West Beach.

The sea rescue craft Rescue 11 Alpha was launched while an NSRI rescue vehicle, EC Government Health EMS and Gardmed ambulance services responded.

While emergency services were responding to the scene it was determined that a local man, age 20, had tried to assist a 13 year old female, from port Elizabeth, who had been swept out to sea by rip currents.

While trying to assist the teenager the 20 year old man also got into difficulties and he was swept away by rip currents.

A private charter boat, Kowie Bunga, saw the man in difficulties in the surf line and they were able to rescue him onto their boat.

It appears that family members of the teenager were able to get her to the beach where paramedics initiated CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) efforts but after all efforts to resuscitate her were exhausted sadly she was declared deceased.

Our NSRI sea rescue craft met the vessel Kowie Bunga as she was entering the Kowie River Mouth. An NSRI medic boarded the charter boat and initiated medical treatment to the seriously injured 20 year old man who was brought to our rescue base.

Gardmed ambulance services dispatched paramedics to the NSRI Port Alfred sea rescue base and they stabilised the patient before transporting him to hospital in a serious but stable condition and he is recovering.

The body of the deceased girl was taken into the care of EC Government Health Forensic Pathology Services.

Police have opened an inquest docket.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased girl.