A teenager who was reported to be in distress in the surf zone at Bloubergstrand Beach, Table View, on Friday is still missing. 

The teenage boy and a friend were in the water when eyewitnesses reported a drowning in progress when the pair appeared to be in distress, said Craig Lambinon, NSRI spokesperson.

On Friday at 4.01pm, the NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew was activated after receiving the reports, said Lambinon. 

The City of Cape Town (CoCT) water rescue network was activated.

Lambinon confirmed that NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers and community medics responded directly to the scene, while its NSRI duty crew responded to the NSRI Melkbosstrand station 18 rescue base. The NSRI rescue craft Rotary’s Gift was launched, an NSRI rescue JetRIB was launched, and an NSRI rescue vehicle was dispatched to carry out the continuing search.

“While responding, it was determined that one of the two youngsters, both believed to be male teenagers, had reached the shoreline and was not injured, while one teenager, a local male, age 16, was witnessed being swept out to sea in strong rip currents before disappearing,” said Lambinon.

BBSL (Big Bay Surf Lifesaving) lifeguards responded, launching a rescue craft.

The police, Western Cape Government Health EMS, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, CoCT law enforcement, and local security responded.

Lambinon further confirmed that an EMS/AMS Skymed rescue helicopter was deployed, and the SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) were alerted as part of the search. 

Lambinon said: “Despite an extensive sea, air, and shoreline search, there remains no sign of the missing teenager. An investigation has been opened by police, and WPDS will continue in ongoing search operations. Thoughts, care, and compassion are with the family of the missing teenager in this difficult time.”

 chevon.booysen@inl.co.za

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