Search continues for Knysna boy caught in rip tide
Strong offshore current sweeps child under water
Image: 123RF/Paul Fleet
The search continues for an eight-year-old boy feared to have drowned after he was caught in a rip tide, a strong offshore current, at Noetzie Beach near Knysna on Monday.
The incident happened at about 1.46pm when the boy and his friends were enjoying the first day of the school holiday on the beach.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the NSRI Knysna Station 12 duty crew were activated after reports of a drowning
NSRI rescue swimmers, the SA Police Service and ER24 ambulance services responded, while the NSRI rescue craft JayTee IV and Katharine were launched.
“On arrival at the scene a search commenced for a local male child, aged about eight, who was reported missing in the water.
“It appears the child had been swimming with friends when an adult on the beach suggested they return to the beach.
“It is reported that at that stage the child may have been caught in a rip current. An adult bystander had reportedly attempted to rescue the child, before the child disappeared underwater,” Lambinon said.
A local resident volunteered his private helicopter that assisted in the search operation.
“NSRI rescue swimmers were deployed into the surf to conduct free dive sweeping line search efforts.
“Despite the extensive air, sea and shoreline search, there remains no signs of the child.
“Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search. Thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing child in this difficult time.”