Man goes missing after trying to save drowning girl

The search continues for a 34-year-old man who was caught in a rip current at Monwabisi Beach near Cape Town.

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said a man was swept away while trying to rescue a 12-year-old girl who was drowning in False Bay on Sunday.

The man is believed to have gotten into difficulty before disappearing into the water after bringing the girl’s body to shore.

The girl doesn’t answer

NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said when they arrived at the scene they found the girl unresponsive.

“The man and girl he tried to save are not related. The girl was taken to the hospital, reportedly by private vehicle, but unfortunately she was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital from a fatal drowning.”

“Despite extensive searches at sea and on shore, there was no trace of the missing man. WPDS (Water Policing and Diving Services) police, with support from EMS Metro Rescue, continue to search,” Lambinon said.

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Lambinon expressed his condolences to the child’s family and friends.

“The police have opened an inquiry. Our thoughts, care and compassion are with the family and friends of the missing person at this difficult time.”

Lambinon said the search continues.

Teenager’s body found

Meanwhile, NSRI Richards Bay has discovered the body of a teenager who went missing while swimming at Bay Hall.

Lambinon said that upon arrival at the scene, NSRI rescue swimmers joined Umhlathuze rescuers in conducting a free dive to search for the teenager.

“A police diver scuba dived in the search area where police divers discovered the teenager’s body. The teenager’s body was handed over to the State Forensic Medical Examination Service.

“The police have opened an inquiry. We express our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased teenager,” Lambinon said.

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