Breaking News
KNYSNA NEWS - A search is currently underway at Noetzie Beach for a young boy who went missing in the water yesterday, Monday 2 October. It is believed that he had been caught in a rip current.
According to National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon, NSRI Knysna duty crew were activated at 13:46 following reports of a drowning in progress at Noetzie Beach.
NSRI rescue swimmers, the police services and ER24 responded to the scene, while the NSRI rescue craft JayTee IV and Katharine were launched.
"On arrival at the scene, a search commenced for a local male child, aged approximately 8."
Lambinon said that according to information provided, the child had been swimming with friends when an adult on the beach suggested they return to the beach.
"It is reported that at that stage the child may have been caught in a rip current. An adult bystander had reportedly attempted to rescue the child, before the child disappeared under water."
Knysna resident Duran de Villiers volunteered his private helicopter to assist in the search.
NSRI rescue swimmers also conducted free dive sweeping line search efforts in the surf.
Despite the extensive air, sea and shoreline search there were no signs of the child by the end of the day yesterday. Police and the police dive unit are continuing the search.
"Thoughts are with the family and friends of the missing child in this difficult time," Lambinon said.
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