Eastern Cape teenager missing after being swept away at Mtunzini beach
The NSRI says there has been no sign of the teenager so far, with search teams continuing their efforts at sea and from the air.
A search is continuing for a teenager who was swept away by rip currents at a beach in Richards Bay, on the north coast.
What happened to the teen?
The 19-year-old from the Eastern Cape was swimming with his girlfriend at Mtunzini Main Beach on Thursday afternoon when he got into difficulty in the surf.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says his girlfriend reached the shore safely, but he was swept further out by strong currents.
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Spokesperson Craig Lambinon says his girlfriend managed to get out of the water, but the teenager disappeared in the waves.
Rescue teams alerted
He says the KZN surf rescue network was alerted, as well as the NSRI rescue craft, the SA Police Service, Mtunzini CPF, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife rangers, and IPSS Medical Rescue.
“On arrival on the scene we found local community members, friends and family, and local boaters, using a private aerial drone, a RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) and a jet-ski, [to] search for [the] 19-year-old male.
"An extensive air, sea, and shoreline search has revealed no signs of the missing teenager.
“Police canine search and rescue, WPDS, Water Policing and Diving Service are continuing in ongoing search efforts.
“[Our] thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing teenager in this difficult time. Police have opened an investigation,” said Lambinon.
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