At 17h19, Saturday, 18 July, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Alkantstrand, near Main Beach, Richards Bay.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded directly to the beach, while NSRI crew responded to our NSRI Richards Bay rescue base, from where our NSRI rescue vehicle was dispatched.
The SA Police Service responded.
On arrival on the scene, a search commenced for a 24-year-old man from Greytown, who had reportedly last been seen in the surf zone, appearing to be caught in a rip current while swimming before disappearing underwater.
Police Search and Rescue and Police Sea Borderline Control were alerted and joined NSRI and Police on the scene.
Despite an extensive search, using spotlights and shoreline patrols, there remains no sign of the missing man.
It appears that a local sports tour group, visiting Richards Bay from Greytown, KZN, for a tournament, were visiting the beach where some of the members were swimming when the man was swept out to sea before disappearing in the surf zone, and the alarm was raised.
Police have opened an investigation.
The tour group are in the care of the police.
Police divers, Police Search and Rescue, are continuing in ongoing search efforts for the missing man.
Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.
Gqeberha – Sunday, 19 July. An emergency maritime medical evacuation operation.
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