PORT ELIZABETH - HUGE RESCUE EFFORT LAUNCHED FOR BOY WHO VANISHED AT SWARTKOPS RIVER MOUTH

Justin Erasmus, NSRI Port Elizabeth station commander, said:

At 18h45, Saturday, 14th September, NSRI Port Elizabeth duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at Swartkops River Mouth.

We launched the sea rescue craft JLT Rescuer to join the SA Police Services, Coastal Water Rescue, EC Government EMS and Bluewater Bay lifeguards searching for a local male 11 year old child suspected to have slipped into the water before being swept away by rip currents in an outgoing tide.

Despite an extensive sea and shoreline search no sign of the child was found.

Police trauma counsellors are assisting family of the missing child and Police are investigating.

On Sunday Police and a Police K-9 Search and Rescue squad are continuing in an ongoing search operation and NSRI Port Elizabeth, Coastal Water Rescue, Bluewater Bay lifeguards are continuing to assist Police in their ongoing search.

A Police helicopter also joined in the ongoing search on Sunday.

The child remains missing and thoughts are with the family in this difficult time.

via - NSRI