KNYSNA NEWS - A Somali national in his twenties is believed to have drowned in front of East Head Cafe, next to the NSRI Knysna rescue at 15:30 yesterday, Wednesday 24 August.

Five local Somalian nationals were swimming when one of the men appeared to get into difficulty in the water. His friends threw an NSRI pink rescue buoy towards him but he was unable to reach it. 

One of the friends launched into the water to try to help, but he got into difficulty himself and was forced to return to rocks to safety.

"NSRI rescue swimmers, SA Police Services, Community Police Forum members, Knysna Law Enforcement officers and SANParks rangers responded," said Grant van Staden, NSRI Knysna deputy station commander.

"In an outgoing tide NSRI rescue swimmers conducted sweeping line free dive search. SANParks rangers conducted search efforts from their rigid inflatable craft. Personnel on the scene conducted shoreline search efforts. Despite an extensive search there remains no sign of the missing man."

A police diving unit is still continuing  the search.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time," said Van Staden.

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