NSRI: Mozambique man missing in St Francis Bay

A 25-year-old man from Mozambique is missing after he disappeared while swimming in the Kromme River near the river mouth in St Francis Bay.

The incident happened at around 12:31 on Thursday, 1 October, when NSRI St Francis Bay and NSRI Jeffreys Bay were activated following reports of a drowning in progress.

Deployed

Rescue swimmers from both NSRI stations responded alongside Rapid Emergency Medical Service (REMS) personnel and the South African Police Service.

An NSRI St Francis Bay crew, which was nearby on a private boat at the time, responded to the scene, while an NSRI Jeffreys Bay jet-ski rescue craft was also deployed.

Kouga Fire and Rescue Services attended the incident, with local marine dredging contractors also assisting rescuers with a boat.

Disappeared underwater

According to NSRI St Francis Bay deputy station commander Louwrens Bezuidenhout, the man had been swimming in the river when he apparently got into difficulties and disappeared underwater.

An extensive search of the river, sea and shoreline was conducted, but there were no signs of the missing man.

The search operation continued on Friday, 2 October, with Police K9 Search and Rescue and the Water Policing and Diving Service (WPDS) involved in efforts to locate him.

Police have also opened an investigation into the incident.

NSRI said its thoughts and care are with the man’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

Meanwhile, in other NSRI-related news, after Graham Howes’ family set out to honour his memory by helping the NSRI save lives at sea, their vision is becoming a reality.