Emergency services are continuing search operations for a teenager who went missing while swimming at Brighton Beach in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 26 November.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Gqeberha station was activated at 14:40 yesterday, following reports of a drowning in progress.
According to Mark Dawson, NSRI Gqeberha station commander, multiple emergency response teams immediately mobilised to the scene. These included NSRI rescue swimmers, Coastal Water Rescue (CWR) swimmers, SA Police Services, Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) and Eastern Cape Government Health EMS personnel.
The NSRI rescue craft Eddie Beaumont II was launched as part of the emergency response.
“On arrival on the scene an extensive sea and shoreline search commenced for a 17-year-old male (believed to be a local) who had gone missing in the surf zone while swimming,” Dawson said.
Despite a large-scale search involving both sea and shoreline operations, no trace of the missing teenager has been found.
Police and Diving Services (WPDS) have been tasked to continue the ongoing search efforts, while an investigation into the incident has been opened by police.
The NSRI has expressed support for the family and friends of the missing teenager during this difficult time.
