The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said it was activated after it received information about a drowning in progress just after 6pm on Wednesday.
Image: NSRI
A US family’s final day of vacation in Cape Town ended in tragedy after one of the relatives went missing at sea at Diaz Beach, Cape Point.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said it was activated after it received information about a drowning in progress just after 6pm on Wednesday.
NSRI station commander, Darren Zimmerman, said on arrival on the scene, a search commenced for a 37-year-old American man who was missing in the surf zone.
He said the Cape Medical Response (CMR), an NSRI Simonstown rescue vehicle, an NSRI Kommetjie rescue vehicle, NSRI rescue swimmers, the South African Police Services (SAPS), Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) rangers, and Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services responded.
“NSRI Simonstown duty crew responded to the NSRI Simonstown station 10 rescue base, where the NSRI rescue craft Donna Nicholas and Jack&Irene were launched. NSRI Kommetjie duty crew responded to the NSRI Kommetjie station 26 rescue base, where the NSRI rescue craft Spirit of the Vines was launched. Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search that extended after dark, there remains no sign of the missing man,” Zimmerman said.
According to the NSRI, the family were spending their final day of vacation in Cape Town when the missing man and relatives visited Cape Point.
When they got to Diaz Beach, the man who is now missing and a male relative considered taking a swim.
“On entering the water, the relative, who is a firefighter with the Fire Department in the USA, realised the strength of the sea currents and immediately advised that they exit the water.
"We believe they were in shin-deep water, attempting to retreat from the water, when the missing man was swept off his feet, and he was caught in rip currents and swept out to sea before disappearing,” Zimmerman said.
The police’s Water Policing and Diving Services continue search efforts.
Cape Times