Search Underway for Missing Man Near Hluleka Nature Reserve

At 14h57 on Monday, 5 January, NSRI Mdumbi duty crew were activated following reports from Nyandeni Municipality of a drowning in progress near Hluleka Nature Reserve, at a beach known as Banana Beach.

NSRI – Eastern Cape – Tuesday, 6 January. A man is missing:

Johann Stadler, NSRI Mdumbi Duty Coxswain, said:

Nyandeni Municipal lifeguards had entered the water in efforts to rescue a man who appeared to be caught in rip currents and in distress in the surf zone, reportedly while crayfishing. The man disappeared underwater before lifeguards could reach him.

Lifeguards continued search efforts while the NSRI Mdumbi rescue craft JetRIB was launched from the NSRI Mdumbi Station 49 rescue base.

The South African Police Service was activated.

On arrival at the scene, NSRI joined lifeguards in sea and shoreline search efforts for the missing 31-year-old local man.

Despite extensive search efforts, there remains no signs of the missing man.

Police Search and Rescue has been tasked to continue ongoing search efforts, assisted by lifeguards.

Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man during this difficult time.