Search continues for missing teen after tragic drowning at Umzumbe in KZN

Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search for a missing local male teenager at Umzumbe, KZN South Coast, where a man lost his life and a man has been hospitalised, family members, in a tragedy on Saturday.

At 12h19, Saturday, 1 February, NSRI Shelly Beach duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress near to Umzumbe, in front of Mocking Bird Chalet's, Hibberdene, KZN South Coast.

It was reported that at least 5 people appeared to be in difficulties in the water - some reported to be family members of a teenager that was swept out to sea, and Good Samaritans, attempting to rescue the teenager and assist the family members - with all reported to be caught in rip currents.

NSRI Shelly Beach rescue swimmers, Umzumbe lifeguards, an NSRI Shelly Beach rescue vehicle, Med-Evac ambulance services, Police Search and Rescue, Gladiator Security, Laser 911 security and ambulance services and the SA Police Services responded.

The NSRI rescue craft Freemasons Way was launched.

While responding to the scene it was reported that a 13-year-old male child remained missing and that family members (who had attempted to rescue the teenager) and at least 2 unidentified Good Samaritans, one armed with an NSRI pink rescue buoy and one armed with a floatation device (a swimming pool noodle), were out of the water, where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) efforts were in progress by a doctor (who happened to be at the beach), and bystanders, on a 36-year-old male (a family member of the missing teenager).

On arrival on the scene, paramedics assisted with resuscitation efforts on the 36-year-old male, a family member (believed to be a Metro Police officer). Sadly he was declared deceased on the scene.

A male, age 40, a family member, was medically assisted on the scene, suffering non-fatal drowning symptoms. He was transported to hospital by ambulance, in a serious condition, where he is recovering in the care of doctors and nurses.

The doctor who assisted on the scene is commended for his efforts.

A search continued for the missing teenager but despite extensive search efforts, there remains no signs of the teenager who had disappeared underwater after reportedly being swept off a sandbank by waves and then caught in rip currents.

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

Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search for the teenager.

Police have opened an Inquest docket.

All thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the missing teenager.

Condolences are conveyed to the family of the deceased man.

NSRI commends the family members and Good Samaritans for their efforts during this incident. We also commend local public members who helped in preventing additional family members from entering the water which may have led to further tragedy in this already tragic incident.