Search Continues for Missing Teen Swept Out to Sea at Bloubergstrand

Rowan Marais, NSRI Melkbosstrand station commander, said: At 16h01, Friday, 29 August, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Bloubergstrand Beach, Tableview.

Eyewitnesses reported two young males in the water, in the surf zone, appearing to be in distress.

The CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network was activated.

NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers and Community Medics responded directly to the scene while our NSRI duty crew responded to our NSRI Melkbosstrand station 18 rescue base and the NSRI rescue craft Rotary's Gift was launched, an NSRI rescue JetRIB was launched, and our NSRI rescue vehicle was dispatched.

BBSL (Big Bay Surf Lifesaving) lifeguards responded and a BBSL rescue craft was launched.

The SA Police Services, WC Government Health EMS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, CoCT Law Enforcement and local security responded.

EMS Metro Control dispatched the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter.

While responded it was determined that one of the two youngsters, both believed to be male teenagers, had reached the shoreline and was not injured while one teenager, a local male, age 16, was witnessed being swept out to sea in strong rip currents before disappearing.

Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) were alerted.

Despite an extensive sea, air and shoreline search there remains no signs of the missing teenager.

An investigation is opened by Police and Police divers (WPDS) will continue in ongoing search operations.

Thoughts, care and compassion are with the family of the missing teenager in this difficult time.