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A 13-year old schoolgirl drowned, and two 12-year old boys are missing, after they were swept out to sea at a beach near the Palm Springs holiday resort in East London late on Saturday.
Spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute, Craig Lambinon says a rescue craft was launched, and they were assisted by a police diving unit, a police dog search and rescue unit, a rescue helicopter, a private helicopter and the East London Fire and Rescue Services.
He says the children, who had reportedly been swept out to sea while swimming, were part of a school tour group from Mthatha.
Lambinon says one of the helicopters spotted the body of the 13 year old girl, and she was declared dead at the scene.
He says despite an extensive search, no sign of the two missing boys has been found, and the search will continue on Sunday.
