Edited by Bev Mortimer –An 8 year-old boy is missing in the surf at Knysna in the Western Cape, and is presumed drowned.
The NSRI Knysna, Station 12, volunteer duty crew and rescue personnel in private helicopter searched for the child but despite an extensive air, sea and shoreline search no signs of the child could be found.
The NSRI says it was activated shortly before 2 pm yesterday following a report of a drowning in progress at Noetzie Beach, near to Knysna. NSRI rescue swimmers, SA Police Services and ER24 ambulance services responded, while the NSRI rescue craft JayTee IV and Katharine were launched.
At the beach a search for the missing boy started . An adult reportedly suggested he return to the beach and it it appears he was probably in a rip current. An bystander attempted to rescue the boy before he disappeared under water.
A local, Duran de Villiers, volunteered his private helicopter to assist in the search operation. NSRI rescue swimmers conducted free dive sweeping line search efforts in the surf trying to find the child , plus SAPS divers searched for the child.
Police divers are continuing in an ongoing search.
The NSRI says thoughts are with family and friends in this difficult time.
