A local man is missing after being swept off West Pier while shoreline angling

Aidan Wood, NSRI Port Alfred duty coxswain, said: At 20h08, Wednesday, 13 August, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a local fisherman swept off rocks by waves into the Kowie River Mouth while shoreline angling at West Pier.

NSRI rescue swimmers, our NSRI Port Alfred rescue vehicle, the SA Police Services, Ndlambe Fire and Rescue Services, EC Government Health EMS, Multi-Security and Gardmed ambulance services responded directly to the scene at West Pier while our NSRI duty crew, conducting routine training at the NSRI Port Alfred station 11 rescue base at the time, immediately launched the NSRI rescue craft Lotto Challenger and Rescue 11 Alpha.

Reports indicate that the fisherman had been clinging onto rocks in the water after being swept off rocks by waves while shoreline angling before then reportedly appearing to lose his grip on the rocks he was swept out to sea and disappeared.

Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search, in and beyond the Kowie River Mouth, that included the setting off of illuminating parachute flares and deploying search lights, there remains no signs of the 25 year old local man.

Police have opened an investigation.

Police divers, assisted by NSRI Port Alfred and Ndlambe Municipal authorities, are tasked in continuing in ongoing search efforts.

All thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.