Mtunzini – A 19-year-old matric learner from Hoër Landbouskool Marlow in Cradock is presumed drowned after being swept out to sea at Mtunzini Main Beach in KwaZulu-Natal.
Jonathan Bradfield was swimming with his girlfriend on Thursday when he apparently got into difficulty in the surf.
According to The South African, the teenager was believed to have been caught in a rip current during a school holiday trip to KwaZulu-Natal with his girlfriend and her family.
His girlfriend had left the water when she looked back and saw Bradfield struggling before he disappeared in the surf zone.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Mtunzini Community Police Forum, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife rangers and IPSS Medical Rescue were activated.
An extensive search involved air, sea and shoreline teams, with a drone, boat and jet ski also used in the operation.
NSRI Richards Bay station commander Norman Rautenbach said the search had not found any sign of the teenager.
“An extensive air, sea and shoreline search has [to date] revealed no signs of the missing teenager,” Rautenbach said, according to the Zululand Observer.
SAPS K9 and Search & Rescue teams have also joined the search.
As the search continues, Bradfield’s school has paid tribute to the matric learner, describing him as much more than a pupil who wore the Marlow jacket.
The school said Bradfield, who was also known as “Johny” and “Winter”, was a friend, classmate and “Wolram” who had a deep-rooted faith and a special place in the school community.
“Johny will be remembered for much more than just his time in a Marlow jacket. He was a friend, a classmate and a Wolram – a young man with a deep-rooted faith, a beautiful heart and a special place among those who knew him,” the school said.
The school extended its condolences to Bradfield’s father, younger brother, family, friends and classmates.
His aunt, Sharon Bradfield, also shared an emotional tribute, describing him as a “shining light” whose kindness and spirit had touched many people.
She said messages from his friends had brought her comfort as they shared memories of the teenager.
“You were, and always will be, my child in my heart,” she wrote.
Bradfield’s school friends have also shared tributes, with one describing him as a “golden boy” and praising his Christian faith.
“I will forever admire his boldness for his Christianity,” the friend wrote.
The friend added that they believed Bradfield had completed his work as a disciple on earth.
NovaNews also reported on the disappearance, confirming that the search for Bradfield was continuing after he went missing at the beach.
The report said local community members, friends, family and boaters had joined the search using a private drone, rigid-hull inflatable boat and jet ski.
The NSRI confirmed that its Richards Bay crew had been activated after receiving reports of a drowning in progress at about 1.10pm on Thursday.
The search comes as emergency services deal with several water-related incidents during the school holidays.
For now, Bradfield’s family and school community are waiting for news as search teams continue looking for the missing teenager.
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Picture: Facebook/ Hoër Landbouskool Marlow
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
