According to the National Sea Rescue Institute’s (NSRI), Melkbosstrand station commander, Peter O’Hanlon, the NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew were activated on Saturday at 18:20 after a drowning in progress was reported at Tableview Beach.
“A 15-year-old boy from Kraaifontein reportedly got into difficulty in the surf while swimming and was swept out to sea by rip currents before disappearing in the surf line,” O’Hanlon said.
After arriving on the scene an extensive search was started at sea, in the air, and along the shoreline.
Various sea rescue crafts were launched by the NSRI duty crews from surrounding areas. NSRI rescue swimmers, LSA Big Bay Lifeguards, the EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter, WC Government Health EMS, CoCT Law Enforcement officers, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services and SAPS also responded.
O’Hanlon further said, “a Police Dive Unit is continuing in ongoing search efforts, supported by the NSRI, CoCT lifeguards and Law Enforcement. Police have opened an investigation.”
