Search for missing man continues

A SEARCH for a man who went missing on a grey rubber-duck between Pearly Beach and Dyer Island continues.

National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Craig Lambinon said that on Sunday NSRI Hermanus officials on duty responded to reports of a 31-year-old man who reportedly left Pearly Beach on the rubber-duck at around 3pm, but has not been seen since.

He did not arrive at Dyer Island as expected and did not return to Pearly Beach.

“The NSRI Hermanus sea rescue craft South Star was launched and MRCC (Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre) joined the operation to plot search patterns, taking into account weather, wind and sea currents. The shoreline between Danger Point, Pearly Beach and Kleinmond, and sea block search patterns between Kleinmond, Cape Point and beyond Cape Point were plotted.

“NSRI Hermanus engaged in shoreline searches and a sea search from Pearly Beach to beyond Kleinmond. NSRI Hout Bay launched the sea rescue craft Nadine Gordimer to assist with covering a large search area in progressively worsening sea conditions, with heavy swells and strong winds increasing to 60 knots,” said Lambinon.

“Despite an extensive shoreline and sea search from Pearly Beach and Dyer Island to beyond the South West of Cape Point, no sign of the missing man and the rubber-duck were found.”

He said police continued the search using a helicopter. Ships in the area will remain on alert and police will continue investigations, treating the matter as a missing person investigation.