A 17-year-old matric pupil from KwaMsane is missing after reportedly being caught in rip currents while swimming at Jabula Beach in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said its St Lucia duty crew was activated at 17:07 on Sunday following reports from iSimangaliso Wetland Park rangers of a drowning in progress.
READ | Man missing after rescuing friend caught in rip currents – NSRI
According to NSRI St Lucia station commander Melinda Snyman, eyewitnesses reported that the teenager was swimming when he was last seen in the surf zone, apparently caught in rip currents, before disappearing from view.
NSRI rescue swimmers responded, while a rescue vehicle towing the organisation’s rescue craft, Rescue 40 Alpha, was dispatched. The rescue craft was launched from the beach.
Search for missing teenager continues
An extensive search was conducted, but no signs of the missing teenager were found.
Police have opened an investigation, while Police Search and Rescue teams have been alerted and are expected to continue the search with assistance from iSimangaliso Wetland Park rangers.
The teenager’s disappearance has raised concern as search teams continue efforts to locate him.
The NSRI said its thoughts and care were with the teenager’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Warning about rip currents
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can pull swimmers away from the shore and create dangerous conditions, even for confident swimmers.
Beachgoers are urged to swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty, pay attention to warnings and avoid entering the water when conditions are unsafe.
Anyone caught in a rip current should try to remain calm, avoid swimming directly against the current and signal for help.