A search operation is underway at Noordhoek Beach in Cape Town after a 15 year old boy from Grassy Park was swept out to sea on Sunday afternoon.
He remains missing despite extensive efforts by rescue teams who scoured the shoreline, ocean surface and surrounding waters.
According to the National Sea Rescue Institute, crews were activated at 16:03 on Sunday after eyewitnesses reported that the teenager had entered the water to retrieve a ball that had been swept off the rocks.
NSRI Hout Bay station commander Spencer Oldham said the boy is believed to have been caught in a rip current before disappearing in the surf zone.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene.
NSRI rescue swimmers, City of Cape Town Law Enforcement, Disaster Risk Management, Cape Medical Response and SAPS were among the first to arrive.
NSRI Hout Bay had rescue craft already at sea on routine training and immediately rerouted the vessels Nadine Gordimer and Albie Matthews to assist.
The Spirit of GABI rescue craft was also launched, along with rescue vehicles from the Hout Bay, Kommetjie and Simon’s Town stations.
The Western Cape EMS and AMS Skymed helicopter joined the operation, while SAPS Water Policing and Diving Services was placed on standby for underwater searches.
Strong south easterly winds reaching up to 45 knots complicated the search, forcing teams to widen their sweep of the area.
Despite air, sea and shoreline efforts extending into Monday evening, there have been no sightings of the missing boy.
SAPS diving units are expected to continue the search today.
Authorities have asked beachgoers to avoid the immediate area while rescue crews remain active along the coastline.
The NSRI extended its thoughts to the boy’s family and friends as the search continues.
