The search continues for a nine-year-old boy last seen playing in the surf at Skulphoek, Hermanus on Thursday afternoon.
Also read: Big petrol price cut for South African motorists
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) activated the Hermanus crew after reports of a possible drowning around 1pm.
NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon reported that emergency services responded swiftly to calls from NSRI Hermanus duty phone and Overstrand emergency control, alerting them to a child in distress at Skulphoek. The search began immediately for the young local boy, who was last spotted among the rocks and in the water along the rocky shoreline.
It is suspected that while playing with friends using an inflatable lilo and beach ball in shallow surf during an incoming tide, the child may have been caught in waves and rip currents.
Despite an extensive search by sea and shore, there have been no signs of the child. SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services are assisting in ongoing search efforts.
Lambinon expressed sympathy and concern for the family of the missing child during this challenging time.
In a separate incident last week, two fishermen died after their boat capsized in Bantry Bay, while a man in his twenties survived.
Also read:
Journey through South Africa’s longest and most diverse wine region
Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images