EAST LONDON, March 26 (ANA) – A man is missing after apparently being caught in a rip current at an East London beach in the Eastern Cape on Saturday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said.
NSRI East London crew were activated at 8.10am following reports of a drowning in progress at Eastern Beach, East London, spokesman Craig Lambinon said.
“NSRI East London launched the sea rescue craft Sprit of Lotto and the SA Police Service, Buffalo City municipal fire and rescue services, and a police K-9 search and rescue squad responded,” he said.
On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a man, believed to be aged 44, last seen struggling in the surf line.
Despite an extensive search no sign of the man had been found and a police dive unit would continue with an ongoing search operation.
The man had not been identified and police had taken possession of his vehicle, and an investigation had been opened. It was suspected that the man may have been caught in strong rip currents, Lambinon said.
Meanwhile, the search will continue for the body of an eight-year-old girl who was swept downstream while trying to cross a river in Oudtshoorn on Friday.
The body of the girl's five-year-old brother was recovered. Police said their father managed to swim to safety.
– African News Agency (ANA) (Additional reporting Algoa FM News)
