Child missing after being swept out to sea in a rip current near Langebaan

A child has gone missing after being swept out to sea by a rip current in Velddrif.

At 17h51, Wednesday, 15 November, NSRI Mykonos duty crew were activated by the SA Police Services responding to Veldrift, Laaiplek, following eye witness reports of a drowning in progress.

The SA Police Services, SAPS WPDS (Water Policing and Dive Services), NSRI Mykonos rescue swimmers (who were conducting routine training in the area at the time), the NSRI Mykonos, West Coast Medical and WC Government Health EMS responded.

On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a local male child believed to be aged approximately 12 years old who had gone missing in the water after reportedly being caught in rip currents in the wave line during an outgoing tide.

SAPS WPDS divers launched a Police boat. NSRI Mykonos launched their NSRI rescue craft Rotary Onwards from our NSRI Mykonos satellite station at St Helena Bay.

Police, paramedics, NSRI Mykonos shore crew and community members conducted shoreline search efforts.

Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search there remains no sign of the child.

SAPS WPDS divers are continuing in an ongoing search.

Family of the missing child are in the care of Police and support and thoughts are with the family in this difficult time.