Update

KNYSNA NEWS – The body of a man in his early 20s was retrieved from the Ashmead Channel at 13:00 today, bringing to an end an extensive search that commenced yesterday afternoon.

While initial information provided to police stated that the person who had disappeared under the water yesterday afternoon was a teenage boy, Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies was able to confirm once his body was found that it was in fact a man in his early 20s. 

The man's body was spotted by the Knysna Safety and Security Initiative (KSSI) drone which had been put into action this morning by Allsound Security as part of a widespread search effort.

The search for the body was resumed by the police dive unit this morning shortly after 09:00, and soon thereafter became a coordinated operation involving the National Sea Rescue Institute, WC Metro EMS, SANParks rangers, the police dive unit, Allsound Security as well as private citizens.

The operation was split into various teams.

Police diving unit members retrieve the man's body.

SANParks rangers conducted searches on foot while one team operated a drone piloted by WC Metro EMS from Leisure Isle and another team flying the KSSI drone piloted by Allsound Security from the paved brick foot path below Costa Sarda. 

The NSRI crews also launched two of their boats, Katherine and Jaytee IV, one of which was carrying Duran de Villiers who was piloting an underwater drone.

It was the team at Costa Sarda who spotted the man's body at about 12:40, with the drone spotting the man from above. 

A police dive unit member then made his way to the area where the body was spotted, and confirmed the find.

The man's body was ultimately retrieved from the water shortly after 13:00 and placed under the care of the WC Forensic Pathology Services. 

The man's identity is yet to be confirmed by his family.

Police diving unit members and SANParks rangers carry the man's body back to shore. Photos: Blake Linder

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