Cape Town – A 37-year-old American tourist has gone missing after being swept out to sea in rough surf at Diaz Beach near Cape Point on Wednesday.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), multiple emergency services were activated after reports of a drowning in progress at the popular beach in the Table Mountain National Park.
“NSRI Simonstown duty crew were activated Wednesday following reports of a drowning in progress at Diaz Beach, Cape Point,” the NSRI said.
Rescue teams from several agencies responded to the scene, including Cape Medical Response (CMR), NSRI Simonstown and Kommetjie rescue crews, SA Police Service officers, Table Mountain National Park rangers and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services.
“NSRI Simonstown duty crew responded to the NSRI Simonstown station 10 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Donna Nicholas and Jack & Irene were launched,” the organisation said.
“NSRI Kommetjie duty crew responded to the NSRI Kommetjie station 26 rescue base where the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of the Vines was launched.”
On arrival, rescue teams began searching the surf zone and surrounding shoreline.
“On arrival on the scene a search commenced for a 37-year-old American man who was missing in the surf zone at Diaz Beach,” the NSRI said.
Despite extensive efforts, the man has not been found.
“Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search that extended after dark there remains no signs of the missing man,” the NSRI said.
Police Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS) have now taken over the search operation.
“Police WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) are tasked by Police to continue in ongoing search efforts.”
Initial reports indicate the incident occurred on the man’s final day of vacation in Cape Town while visiting Cape Point with family members.
“It appears that on their final day of vacation in Cape Town the missing man and family members had visited Cape Point where at Diaz Beach the missing man and a male relative considered taking a swim,” the NSRI said.
The relative, who is reportedly a firefighter in the United States, quickly realised the dangerous sea conditions.
“On entering the water the relative, who is a fire fighter with the Fire Department in the USA, realised the strength of the sea currents and immediately advised that they exit the water.”
However, the powerful currents pulled the tourist out to sea before he could reach safety.
“We believe they were in shin deep water, attempting to retreat from the water, when the missing man was swept off his feet and he was caught in rip currents and swept out to sea before disappearing.”
Rescue teams have expressed their condolences to the man’s family.
“Our thoughts, care and compassion, are with the family of the missing man in this difficult time.”
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Picture: NSRI
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
