At 13h38, Friday, 2 June, NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Maitlands Beach. The Nelson Mandela Bay water rescue network was activated. NSRI towed the rescue craft Rescue 6 Bravo which was launched on the scene.
Justin Erasmus, NSRI Gqeberha station commander, said:
NSRI rescue swimmers, the SA Police Services, Gqeberha Fire and Rescue Services, NMB Beach Office lifeguards, Coastal Water Rescue and the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter responded.
An extensive air, sea and shoreline search was conducted for a 22 year old male, from Eastern Cape, who was missing in the surf line.
NMB lifeguards and Coastal Water Rescue rescue swimmers conducted sweeping line free dive search efforts.
It appears that 2 buses carrying employees of a local company had come to the beach for a function. 3 friends, who are students employed by the company, had reportedly waded into the water before the 22 year old man had waded in beyond being able to stand and he was caught by rip currents and he was swept out to sea and he disappeared.
Despite the extensive search there remains no sign of the missing man.
An investigation has been opened by Police.
Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search.
Thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time
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