At 18h49, Friday, 2 January, NSRI Gqeberha duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Blue Water Bay, Gqeberha.
Simon Williams, NSRI Gqeberha deputy station commander, said:
The NSRI rescue vehicle, with NSRI rescue swimmers, responded, and the NSRI rescue craft Eddie Beaumont II was launched.
The SA Police Services, EC Government Health EMS and Relay ambulance services responded.
Upon arrival at the scene, NSRI, Police, and emergency services joined CWR (Coastal Water Rescue) and Blue Water Bay lifeguards, engaged in a search operation for a local 23-year-old male who had gone missing in the water.
It appears that the man was swimming with his 19-year-old sister when they were caught in rip currents. A local fisherman managed to grab hold of the female and pull her to safety.
The teenager was not injured.
Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search, there remains no sign of the missing man.
Police Search and Rescue is tasked with continuing the ongoing search, assisted by Blue Water Bay lifeguards.
Our thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.